A group of Anglican bishops from Nyanza has urged President William Ruto to use his authority to restore order and accountability within the country’s security forces, following rising concerns over excessive police force during recent demonstrations.
Speaking at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu during a prayer service and national reflection, the clergy strongly condemned what they described as growing police brutality, especially against peaceful protesters.
Their call comes in the wake of the recent shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a face mask vendor, who was shot in the head by anti-riot police along Moi Avenue during protests seeking justice for teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang.
Ojwang allegedly died in police custody.
Kenyatta National Hospital confirmed that it received 16 patients from the protest, several of whom suffered serious injuries, including gunshot wounds and trauma.
In a strongly worded joint statement, the bishops said they were compelled by their spiritual mandate to speak out against injustices being committed by state officers against ordinary citizens.
“The way the government is using the police to harass, injure, and even kill those who express dissent is criminal, evil, and beyond description,” the bishops declared.
“When Kenyans rise to demand their rights, they are treated as enemies of the state. This is not how a democratic society functions.”
The church leaders accused President Ruto of failing to stand with the people and demanded immediate action to curb police excesses.
“President, come out and use the power entrusted to you by Kenyans to restore sanity in the security forces,” they said.
They also called for the disbandment of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), claiming the unit has morphed into a feared entity used to intimidate and oppress citizens. “We cannot remain silent as a police unit funded by taxpayers becomes a terror gang licensed to kill,” they said.
The bishops further warned of a growing sense of lawlessness across the country, driven by unchecked state violence and public frustration.
“Kenya is quickly sliding into anarchy. Condolences are not enough. The people are angry, and if the state does not take responsibility, citizens may be forced to defend themselves,” they cautioned.
The clergy concluded by urging the president to offer leadership and rein in rogue officers before the situation worsens.
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