Kenya’s Church Council Approves Anti-Finance Bill Peaceful Demonstrations
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has approved the ongoing anti-finance bill protests that have swept the country.
Article 37 of Kenya’s 2010 constitution grants every Kenyan the right to peaceful assembly, demonstration, picketing, and petitioning.
According to Festus Malua, NCCK Chairperson, Machakos branch, most Kenyans have expressed their displeasure with the bill following recent demonstrations across the country.
The council now calls on the state to reconsider the entire bill.
“Let Kenyans picket. Every person has the right, peacefully, unarmed, to assemble, demonstrate picket or to present petitions to the public authorities,” Malua stated.
The church is deeply concerned about how the police used excessive force to restore order during the demonstrations and has issued a joint call to rally in support of those opposing the bill.
Allow Kenyans to picket peacefully and listen to them – @ncckkenya has told @PoliceKE @NPSC_KE @statehousekenya#rejectfinancebill2024https://t.co/Mkjw03iDIohttps://t.co/iQrlRF0X2a
— NCCK (@NCCKKenya) June 21, 2024
@CKKamau @BROT_furdiewelt @UraiaTrust @USAIDKenya @DiakoniaKenya pic.twitter.com/CRv315BLsf
This comes a day after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) gave the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) three weeks to complete its investigation into the death of a protestor shot on Thursday in the CBD during the Anti-Finance Bill protests.
The ODPP confirmed the death of the young protestor, who was shot on Thursday during peaceful demonstrations.
“Rex Kanyike Masai, aged 29 years old, was allegedly shot on Thursday 20th June 2024 within the Central Business District, Nairobi, and died while undergoing medical treatment at Bliss Health Care Centre, Moi Avenue,” the statement read in part.
Similarly, the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a, led by Bishop James Wainaina, has expressed similar sentiments.
Wainaina urged police to avoid using excessive force while restoring order during demonstrations or protests.
The Kenya Red Cross provided an update on the number of fatalities reported during the demonstrations. It reported a total of 39 injuries.
Of those injured, 8 were in critical condition, while 31 were nursing minor injuries.
At the time of publication, authorities had confirmed two deaths, one of which was a 29-year-old protestor who died as a result of leg injuries.
According to the humanitarian organization, those in critical condition have been transported to Kenyatta National Hospital for further care.
Several injuries were reported during the demonstrations, with the majority involving young people.
Kenya’s Church Council Approves Anti-Finance Bill Peaceful Demonstrations
