Church leaders call for peace, slam ‘shoot-to-kill’ order ahead of Saba Saba protests
The NCCK raised alarm over what it described as a growing and disturbing trend of the state blatantly, violently, and unlawfully denying Kenyans their right to picket.
Churches have urged security agencies to exercise restraint during Monday’s Saba Saba protests, with the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) warning against the use of excessive force and calling on police to protect, not suppress, peaceful demonstrators.
The NCCK raised alarm over what it described as a growing and disturbing trend of the state blatantly, violently, and unlawfully denying Kenyans their right to picket, pointing to recent cases of police brutality, fatal shootings of peaceful protesters, and troubling directives from government officials.
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“We are deeply perturbed by the violent breakup of peaceful protests despite the police being notified as per the law, the killing of peaceful protestors by police with no subsequent inquests or prosecution of the culpable officers, and a documented diabolical partnership and coordination between police officers and armed goons who attack, beat, rob and even rape peaceful protestors,” the NCCK said.
The churches demanded that security forces operate within the law, noting that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to peacefully assemble and picket.
“We demand that in line with the Constitution and the National Police Service Act, the security agencies should provide adequate security to all peaceful and unarmed demonstrators on Monday, ensuring that every Kenyan enjoys their rights and freedoms,” the council said.
Recant shoot-to-kill order
The NCCK also criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over his recent shoot-to-kill directive, warning that it threatens constitutionally protected freedoms and fuels extrajudicial killings.
“We advise the Cabinet Secretary of Interior to recant the shoot-to-kill order, and be prepared to carry responsibility for all extra-judicial killings done by the police,” the church leaders said.
They urged the police not to “facilitate or partner with the armed goons who have been terrorising Kenyans” and instead arrest them along with their financiers.
The NCCK also opposed the proposed Public Order (Amendment) Bill sponsored by Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, which seeks to bar picketing within 100 metres of Parliament, State House, court buildings and other “protected areas”.
Withdraw Bill
They demanded that the Bill be withdrawn immediately, noting that these are precisely the offices where citizens need to present their concerns.
The clergy urged Kenyans to reflect on the historical significance of Saba Saba Day, marked on July 7 each year, when Kenyans in 1990 launched a nationwide call for multiparty democracy.
“In the spirit of justice, democracy and better governance,” the statement continued, “we have encouraged all clergy to dedicate the Sunday Worship services to discourse and prayer for the nation. All who are able are encouraged to join in commemorating the birth of the clamour for constitutionalism and the rule of law,” they said.
Citing Scripture, the Council referenced Hosea 5:10: “Judah’s leaders are like those who move boundary stones. I will pour out my wrath on them like a flood of water,” and concluded with a reminder from Revelation 20:12 and Deuteronomy 16:20 urging all Kenyans to uphold justice and accountability.
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