Kenya Hits Back At Diplomatic Catholic Archbishop Over Remarks On The Gen Z Protests
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has written a letter to the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi, protesting Archbishop Hubertus van Megen’s remarks about the anti-government protests that have erupted in the country over the last two months.
The Apostolic Nunciature, also known as the Holy See’s Embassy, is the diplomatic representative of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope, with its headquarters in Vatican City.
In the letter, the Ministry quoted the Archbishop’s remarks, claiming that they were biased and came at a time when the country was in crisis.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a letter to the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi, expressing concern over Archbishop Hubertus van Megen's comments on recent anti-government protests. The Ministry criticized the Archbishop's remarks as biased and ill-timed, especially… pic.twitter.com/v08XpYiLrN
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“Youths in the streets turned tables, turning tables in Parliament, turning tables of the money changers, wanting to cleanse the temple of democracy,” the Archbishop was quoted saying on June 29, 2024.
“Youths on the streets wanted to get Zacchaeus out of the tree, wanted to get Peter to admit to his betrayal, these days we have witnessed a revolution in Nairobi. After this, politics in this country will have to change.”
In his speech, the Archbishop also mentioned police brutality during the protests.
“Oppressors against the oppressed, heavily armed security forces against poorly protected protestors, water canons, teargas, live bullets against sticks and stones, explosions against shouting and feelings of protestors, the state machinery shooting freely at will,” read Van Megen’s speech
In response to the remarks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described them as undiplomatic and inflammatory.
“Without pointing out the broader context of the government’s action as a responsible diplomat, the Nuncio chose to use his exalted position to berate the government of Kenya and its institutions,” the Ministry said in the letter.
“We find this conduct to be reprehensible and unbecoming of a distinguished member of the diplomatic corps.”
In the last two months, the protests have received international attention, with foreign countries urging the government to protect the rights of people participating in peaceful demonstrations.
“The Embassy urges police to exercise restraint and protect the rights of people to demonstrate peacefully,” the US embassy said in a statement on July 18, 2024.
“We call on provocateurs and opportunists to avoid blocking roads and looting businesses. All actors – police and protesters alike – should repudiate violence and be held accountable for wrongdoing.”
Kenya Hits Back At Diplomatic Catholic Archbishop Over Remarks On The Gen Z Protests
