By Perez Karisa, June 24, 2026
Kenyan religious leaders have issued a united appeal for peace, sobriety and constructive engagement ahead of the June 25 anniversary commemorations, as tensions continue to rise over planned nationwide demonstrations marking two years since the Gen Z protests that shook the country.
Faith-based organizations, including the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) and the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), said the country stands at a critical moment that demands restraint and dialogue rather than confrontation.
Led by KCCB Chairman Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, the clergy urged demonstrators to conduct themselves peacefully and to uphold the sanctity of human life while protecting both public and private property.
The bishops emphasized that while citizens have a constitutional right to assemble and express themselves, the exercise of that right must be accompanied by responsibility and respect for others.
“We appeal to all those participating in the commemorative events to exercise sobriety and restraint and to ensure that the memory of those who lost their lives is honoured in a dignified and peaceful manner,” Archbishop Muhatia said.
The religious leaders warned young people against allowing criminal elements to infiltrate the planned memorial processions. They cautioned that organized groups of goons and opportunistic criminals could exploit the gatherings to incite violence, loot businesses and undermine the genuine intentions of peaceful demonstrators.
Church leaders also expressed solidarity with families that lost relatives during the 2024 and 2025 anti-government protests. Several denominations have organized interfaith memorial prayers and counselling sessions aimed at supporting bereaved families and promoting national healing.
The clergy reiterated calls for transparency and fairness in the government’s compensation programme for victims and families affected by the protests, insisting that financial assistance alone cannot substitute accountability and justice.
At the same time, the religious leaders directed strong criticism at the government, calling on President William Ruto’s administration to embrace dialogue and respond to the concerns raised by citizens.
The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya and Catholic bishops urged the government to abandon intimidation and create space for honest conversations on economic hardships, unemployment, governance and corruption.
They argued that suppressing dissent or responding with threats only deepens mistrust and widens divisions within society.
The clergy also issued a direct appeal to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, demanding that security agencies exercise professionalism and avoid excessive force during the commemorations.
They warned against the use of unlawful tactics and called on police officers to prioritize the protection of lives and property while respecting constitutional rights.
Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria condemned what he described as a worrying resurgence of politically sponsored violence targeting places of worship. He cited recent disruptions at All Saints Cathedral and other incidents involving attacks on religious gatherings, saying such acts undermine the sacred role of churches as spaces for peace and refuge.
Archbishop Muheria called for investigations into those behind the attacks and demanded that their sponsors be arrested and prosecuted.
“The sanctity of places of worship must be respected. Churches should never become battlegrounds or targets for political intimidation,” he said.
Offering what they described as a path toward national reconciliation, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya declared its readiness to facilitate a broad-based dialogue bringing together the government, opposition leaders, civil society, the business community, youth representatives and other stakeholders.
The council said meaningful conversations are necessary to address persistent challenges affecting the country, including economic inequality, unemployment, corruption, governance concerns and growing public dissatisfaction.
According to the religious leaders, Kenya’s future depends on its ability to resolve disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding rather than violence and confrontation.
Their appeal comes as preparations intensify for the June 25 commemorations, with security agencies maintaining heightened vigilance and civil society groups insisting that the events will proceed as peaceful memorials in honour of those who lost their lives during the historic Gen Z protests.
The clergy expressed hope that the anniversary would serve not only as a moment of remembrance but also as an opportunity for national reflection and renewed commitment to justice, accountability and peaceful coexistence.
