All Saints Cathedral demands apology from police boss over protest violence
By Lucy Mumbi |
Rev. Canon Evans Omollo said he was outraged that anti-riot officers lobbed teargas canisters and fired live bullets in the church compound, harming several protesters.
All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi wants an apology from Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome following the actions of police officers during last week's protests against the Finance Bill, 2024.
In a statement on Sunday, Rev. Canon Evans Omollo said he was outraged that anti-riot officers lobbed teargas canisters and fired live bullets in the church compound, harming several protesters.
"During the protests and demonstrations that rocked the country on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, All Saints Cathedral opened the gates to over 3,000 protesters, the majority of whom were Gen Z, to take refuge from furious police officers who were under orders not to allow any peaceful protest contrary to Article 73 of the constitution," he said.
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"We are sad that, despite seeking refuge in the house of God, police officers lobbed several tear gas canisters within the compound, affecting several people."
We, therefore, demand an apology from the Inspector General of Police for his officers nearly deconsecrating our place of worship.
— All Saints' Cathedral, Nairobi (@allsaintsnrb) June 30, 2024
For a complete statement visit our website https://t.co/Aiu7pDyRkv pic.twitter.com/taHEcBXCTL
Omollo further spoke on the escalation of violence later that day, explaining that at 4:30 p.m., a group of officers stormed the cathedral grounds, threatening peaceful, unarmed youth.
"They ordered them to lie down and fired live bullets indiscriminately in the compound. Spent cartridges used within the compound are in our custody. The protestors had to be evacuated for safety into the CTC and Chapter House " he said.
The reverend stressed the need to accord religious sanctuaries the same respect as public infrastructure.
"We condemn this careless encroachment into a consecrated place of worship, the sanctity of which must be respected in the same manner we expect respect for protected public infrastructure. We therefore demand an apology from the Inspector General of Police for his officers nearly desecrating our place of worship," he said.
Following the public outcry, President William Ruto announced the withdrawal of the bill on June 26, opting instead to hold talks with the young people leading the protests.
Ruto said he was willing to listen to their perspectives and grievances concerning issues affecting the nation.
Please find an official statement concerning last week's mass demonstrations from the All Saints' Cathedral, Nairobi.
— All Saints' Cathedral, Nairobi (@allsaintsnrb) June 30, 2024
For a complete statement visit our website https://t.co/Aiu7pDzpa3 pic.twitter.com/4moLdQ4oAm
He has since submitted a Memorandum of Referral to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to initiate the dialogue.
The protests, marked by significant police violence, resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people, with many more injured.
Human rights organisations suggest the actual number of casualties may be higher, as numerous unidentified bodies remain in mortuaries nationwide.
They have called for a detailed, impartial investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
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