The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has strongly condemned rising incidents of violence and intimidation in places of worship, calling for thorough investigations and prosecution of perpetrators.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s Lenten Campaign at the Immaculate Conception Shrine in Lodwar Diocese, the bishops expressed deep concern over cases where church services and peaceful gatherings have been disrupted, sometimes in the presence of security officers.
“Lobbing tear gas canisters at worshippers inside the church is a gross violation of the constitutional right to worship,” the bishops said in a statement signed by KCCB Chairman, Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba. They condemned the use of force against unarmed citizens, including women, children, and the elderly.
Key Concerns Highlighted by KCCB
Human rights violations: Excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, and harassment by security agencies.
Political tensions: Early campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election risk inflaming ethnic divisions and violence.
Governance challenges: Corruption, misuse of public funds, weak accountability, and rising public debt threaten national cohesion.
Youth engagement: Encouraging young people to participate in civic and political processes as a path to national renewal.
The bishops urged leaders to exercise restraint, uphold justice, and focus on service delivery, emphasizing that public office is a sacred trust, not a platform for personal gain.
They also called on Parliament to fast-track electoral reforms and encouraged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to start early preparations, including nationwide voter education and mass voter registration.
As the nation approaches the next electoral cycle, the clergy stressed that lasting peace requires both justice and respect for human dignity, including addressing poverty, unemployment, and access to essential services like healthcare, education, and housing.
This strong statement underscores the Church’s role in advocating for peace, accountability, and civic responsibility ahead of the upcoming elections in Kenya.
