Catholic Bishops Condemn Police Brutality, Demand Justice for Slain Youth
They also demanded answers for other unresolved cases, including the deaths of clergy and youth leaders such as Father John Mina, Father Alois, and activist Albert Ojwang.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has issued a powerful statement condemning police brutality and the unlawful killings of young people during recent protests, calling for full accountability and justice for victims. Photo/The Star Kenya.
By Juliet Jerotich
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has issued a powerful statement condemning police brutality and the unlawful killings of young people during recent protests, calling for full accountability and justice for victims.
In particular, the bishops decried the killing of 22-year-old hawker Boniface Kariuki Mwangi, who was fatally shot at point-blank range by a police officer during an anti-government demonstration. They described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and a grave violation of public trust.
Warning of an alarming pattern of state-sponsored violence and selective enforcement of justice, the bishops said such actions undermine the country’s constitutional order and show a disregard for the sanctity of human life. They also demanded answers for other unresolved cases, including the deaths of clergy and youth leaders such as Father John Mina, Father Alois, and activist Albert Ojwang.
Quoting Micah 6:8, the bishops framed their appeal as a moral call to both government and citizens to act with justice, compassion, and humility.
As the nation marks the first anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led protests against controversial tax policies, the bishops praised young people for courageously raising their voices against economic injustice, joblessness, and governance failures. They strongly criticized the government’s violent crackdown, which resulted in several deaths and disappearances.
“Our youth are not enemies of the state,” the bishops asserted. “They are citizens raising genuine concerns and aspirations for a fair and dignified future.”
While urging the youth to avoid violence and embrace peaceful protest, the bishops stressed the importance of responsible civic action and dialogue. They honored the memory of those who died in the demonstrations, calling their deaths unjust and preventable.
“As we remember those we lost in 2024, we offer prayers for their souls,” the bishops said. “Their lives were taken unfairly. While we cannot bring them back, we must ensure their sacrifice is not in vain.”
The statement concluded with a firm demand for swift justice and the prosecution of all those responsible for acts of police violence, emphasizing that accountability is essential to healing and restoring public confidence in state institutions.
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