The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has called for the suspension of the ongoing anti-government demonstrations as well as the frequent prayer meetings held by government and political leaders.
KCCB chairman Martin Musonde said in a statement on Sunday that the demonstrations are causing mayhem and unrest in the country, putting many Kenyans’ lives in danger.
He also claimed that a number of heightened political squabbles have occurred in prayer meetings attended by government officials, calling into question the true intentions behind them.
“Indeed, there will be no goodwill in pursuing a violent path or a path of revenge by using such gatherings,” read part of the statement.
Further criticising the protests, Rev Musonde stated that it is appalling to see both the government and opposition remaining silent on the matter despite the fact that there has been a significant loss of lives and property in the past two weeks – when the demonstrations began.
As a result, he urged President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga to end the blame game and prioritise the interests of the nation and its citizens.
“We urge all our leaders, specifically our President and Hon. Raila Odinga, and all their advisors, that for the love we have for our country, and for the love and respect of those who have suffered, lost lives, and for the love of God whose places of worship have been desecrated, to stop for a moment, from pushing the conflict any further. This conflict is being driven by the political class. It will never favour the common man,” he said.
Musonde also urged police officers to carry out their duties peacefully and without coercion, and to apprehend those responsible for the previous protests’ chaos.
He also urged Kenyans to avoid leaders who “will drive us into the pit of hatred and violence,” and to carefully consider a leader’s request before acting on it.
“Dear Kenyans, we must decide now or face the consequences of selfish political interests! Our political class seems empty of ideas to offer to their political parties and groupings.”
The opposition began the protests on March 20 to force the government to address the high cost of living, and they have continued on a weekly basis on Mondays and Thursdays ever since.
Throughout the demonstrations, running battles between protesters and police have occurred, resulting in extreme destruction of public and private property, loss of lives, and harsh political wrangling between the opposition and government.
Mr. Odinga says the protests will continue until the government meets their demands.
