The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has issued a searing pastoral letter condemning the surge in extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and suppression of civic freedoms, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of eroding justice and devaluing human life.
In the statement titled “Life is Sacred: Respect and Protect Human Life,” the bishops painted a grim picture of a country descending into fear, lawlessness, and inequality. They cited recent deaths, including Catholic priests Fr. John Maina and Fr. Allois Bett, activist Albert Ojwang, and hawker Boniface Kariuki, who was shot dead by police in Nairobi, as evidence of growing brutality by state agents.
“When those charged with upholding law and order become the source of fear and injustice, it signals a moral crisis in the State,” the bishops warned.
Signed by KCCB Chairman Archbishop Anthony Muheria and endorsed by over 30 bishops across all dioceses, the statement calls for urgent independent investigations into the killings and the prosecution of those responsible. “The life of every Kenyan matters,” they stressed. “We must not move on from such deaths without accountability.”
The Church leaders particularly decried the state’s response to recent youth-led protests over economic hardship and exclusion, accusing security agencies of responding with violence instead of dialogue. “Our young people are not enemies of the State,” they said. “They are citizens with valid concerns who should be heard, not harassed, silenced, or killed.”
The bishops further condemned what they called the politicization of public resources, warning that development had been reduced to loyalty-based tokenism. “Public resources are being used for political advertisement rather than national development,” they said. “Leadership should serve the common good, not partisan interests.”
Addressing the judiciary and police, the bishops criticized the selective application of the law, saying that the powerful often go unpunished while ordinary citizens face harsh treatment. “This imbalance discredits our institutions and breeds public resentment. The law must not be weaponized,” they stated.
The bishops issued a five-point appeal to the government, urging:
- Independent investigations into extrajudicial killings and disappearances.
- Strict adherence to the rule of law by all state organs.
- Protection of civic voices and freedom of expression.
- Leadership guided by service and consultation, not fear.
- Genuine dialogue with youth, religious leaders, and civil society.
Despite the dire tone, the bishops closed with a message of hope and resilience. “To the youth: your voice is vital. Your commitment to justice gives hope to all. Remain peaceful, truthful, and courageous,” they urged.
They also announced that all Catholic churches across the country will hold special prayers next Sunday in memory of victims of abductions, police brutality, and extrajudicial executions.
“Kenya deserves better,” the bishops declared. “May God bless our country and guide us toward a nation where every citizen is valued, every voice respected, and every life protected.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
