Catholic Bishops Condemn Rising Killings and Call for Peace During GenZ Memorial Protests, By Samuel Moranga
Nairobi, Kenya-In a bold and compassionate statement, Kenya’s Catholic bishops have raised alarm over the increasing disregard for human life across the country, expressing deep concern over the unexplained deaths of innocent Kenyans, many of them young and full of promise. Their remarks come just days before the first memorial of the GenZ-led protests that swept across Kenya in June 2024, a historic movement that brought youth voices to the forefront of the nation’s political discourse.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) stated during a press briefing, calling on the government to uphold the sanctity of life and the constitutional rights of all citizens. The bishops lamented what they described as a “growing culture of violence and impunity,” where Kenyans, particularly the youth, are dying under mysterious or suspicious circumstances — often linked to protests, police action, or extrajudicial operations.
“Life is sacred. Every soul lost to violence is a loss to the whole nation,” one of the senior bishops remarked. “We must stop normalizing death in the streets and start valuing each life as a gift from God.”
Government Urged Not to Interfere with Gen Z Memorial
As the country prepares to mark the GenZ protest memorial on June 29, 2025, the bishops have cautioned the government against any attempts to suppress or interfere with peaceful demonstrations. They urged security agencies to maintain professionalism and restraint during this sensitive period.
The GenZ movement, initially triggered by frustrations over taxation, unemployment, and corruption, gained momentum when hundreds of thousands of youth took to the streets in what became one of Kenya’s most powerful youth-led uprisings in decades. Tragically, some of those protests turned violent, resulting in loss of life, injuries, and property destruction — consequences that many Kenyans, including the church, say were avoidable.
The bishops insist that the responsibility lies squarely with the police to ensure that any demonstrations held to mark the anniversary are peaceful and devoid of violence. They warned against the deployment of excessive force, the use of live bullets, or the infiltration of protests by “hired goons” meant to discredit the peaceful intentions of demonstrators.
“Speaking to Power Is Not a Crime”
Underscoring the importance of free speech and democratic participation, the bishops defended the right of citizens — especially the youth — to speak truth to power. They noted that healthy democracies thrive when leaders are held accountable and citizens are encouraged to participate actively in shaping their future.
“Speaking to power is not a threat to peace, but a pillar of democracy and good governance,” said the bishops. “We urge the government to listen more and suppress less.”
Their message comes at a time when tensions remain high, with youth organizations planning vigils, street art demonstrations, and digital campaigns to honor the fallen and continue pushing for reform.
Church to Hold Nationwide Masses for the Fallen
In a show of solidarity with families who lost loved ones during the protests and in other unexplained killings, the Catholic Church has announced that special memorial masses will be held in all Catholic parishes across Kenya on Sunday, June 29, 2025. These masses aim to honor the souls of the departed and offer prayers for justice, healing, and unity in the country.
“We stand with the families in mourning. Our altars will be lit with candles of hope, and our prayers will rise for peace, accountability, and a better Kenya.”
Final Thoughts
The Catholic Church’s stance reinforces a broader public demand for transparency, justice, and nonviolence in addressing national grievances. As the GenZ memorial approaches, the country watches closely — not just for how the youth will organize, but also for how the state will respond.
If the calls from the bishops are heeded, June 29 could mark not just a remembrance of past loss but a renewed commitment to protecting life, dignity, and democracy in Kenya.
Related Links:
- GenZ Movement: A Timeline of Kenya’s Youth Uprising
- Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Official Statement – June 2025
- How to Participate Peacefully in a Protest: A Citizen’s Guide
- Memorial Masses Near You – Catholic Diocese Directory
#GenZProtests #KenyaBishops #HumanRights #CatholicChurchKenya #JusticeForYouth #PeacefulProtests
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