Clerics have called for the resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, following violent disruptions by goons who stormed churches, hotels, and public spaces during a post-budget dialogue forum in Nairobi on Friday.
Speaking on Sunday during a service at All Saints Cathedral, Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit said the incidents showed a worrying lapse in security, warning that failure to act would amount to dereliction of duty by security agencies.
“Goons have overrun our streets, hotels, and churches, and we ask: where are we as a people, country and community? Many never expected to witness what we witnessed on Friday,” he said.
He defended the role of the cathedral, stressing its long-standing history as a place of refuge and justice.
“This Cathedral sheltered the mothers of political prisoners. It stood with those who were seeking justice when it was not popular. This is a place of refuge, and this Cathedral will remain so,” he said.
He added that church spaces must remain dedicated to worship and reflection, saying even meetings held there follow that principle.
“We must stand against what is wrong. We condemn the invasion of churches and homes,” he said, insisting that those responsible must be arrested and prosecuted without delay.
“We demand the arrest and prosecution of the goons. If not, the IG should resign because he has failed,” he said.
The chaos on Friday began at the entrance of All Saints Cathedral, where the group clashed with security guards before forcing their way into the compound. They later moved into a conference area where a post-budget dialogue forum was ongoing.
Police intervened and dispersed the attackers after they destroyed materials and assaulted some participants. One suspect was arrested and is in custody.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya National Council of Churches of Kenya condemned the incident, questioning why a government official would allegedly send armed groups to disrupt a civil society forum discussing the national budget.
The council is demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the alleged sponsor of the attack. It also stressed that the right of citizens to access public information under Article 35 of the Constitution must be protected.
The Defenders Coalition also condemned the incident, saying there is a pattern of coordinated attacks targeting civil society organisations, human rights defenders, and staff of rights institutions.
It said the incidents appear aimed at intimidation and silencing of groups carrying out lawful work.
Archbishop Sapit's remarks come days after he criticised the 2026/27 national budget.
He said public views collected during participation forums were not fully reflected, arguing that the budget does not meet the needs of ordinary citizens.
He further raised concern over rising unrest in schools, linking it to reduced involvement of churches in school leadership and management. He said the Ministry of Education needs to work closely with key stakeholders, including religious groups, in mentoring and guiding learners.
On matters of justice and governance, he also faulted the handling of a case involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying justice was not properly upheld.
He warned that such patterns, if repeated, could weaken democratic processes as the country heads towards the next General Election next year.
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