Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Archdiocese of Nairobi has issued an appeal to the Catholic faithful in response to the violent protests that rocked the city on Tuesday, June 17.
Speaking on Wednesday, June 18, Anyolo expressed sorrow over the events that unfolded on Tuesday, which included the fatal shooting of Boniface Kariuki.
He condemned both the use of excessive force by the police and their inaction as hired goons took advantage of the protest to harm demonstrators and damage property.
“We are saddened by the incidents that happened on Tuesday in Nairobi during protests against the killing of Albert Ojwang. We are especially saddened by the point-blank shooting of a non-violent citizen who seemed to be just an innocent Kenyan and the free operation of goons robbing, beating up citizens and destroying in the eyes and without interference by security agencies," he said.
As such, Anyolo urged all Catholics within the Nairobi Archdiocese and beyond to join in a spiritual intervention.
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He announced a three-day marathon of rosary prayers with specific intentions centered on peace and healing.
“We are calling on all Catholics in our archdiocese of Nairobi and beyond to pray a marathon of rosaries for the next three days for the following intentions: respect for the human life and dignity; for law and order in Nairobi city and in the country; for those who have lost their lives, their families and livelihoods; our leaders that God may touch their hearts and give them wisdom to realize the havoc they are causing to the country,” he said.
Anyolo's statement follows another from the Judiciary which raised concerns over escalating incidents of police brutality and the infiltration of peaceful demonstrations by hired goons.
In a statement, Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo expressed concern over the growing use of force by police and the disruption of peaceful protests by violent goons.
"The Judiciary expresses its concern over rising incidents of unjustified police brutality and the growing trend of peaceful protests being infiltrated by goons who disrupt peaceful assemblies, and endanger the lives of protestors.
"The National Police Service bears a constitutional and legal duty to identify, apprehend, and prosecute such individuals, as well as those who sponsor or orchestrate these acts of violence," the statement continued.
With several related matters already before the courts, the Judiciary reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice is served independently and without delay.
"The courts remain committed to their constitutional mandate to uphold justice including in cases relating to police brutality and other forms of misconduct.
"We are committed to ensuring that these matters are processed through the justice system in a timely, impartial, and independent manner through processes anchored in the rule of law," the statement affirmed.
