In light of continued demonstrations for governmental reform, which are becoming increasingly dangerous to attend, the Anglican Church of Kenya grieves with those who have lost loved ones due to police brutality and raises significant questions to political leaders and ordinary citizens about the kind of country they want Kenya to become.

The Anglican Church of Kenya today released a statement, signed by the Most Revd Dr Jackson Ole Sapit, Archbishop of Kenya, on the “state of the nation”. The bishops and archbishop of Kenya encourage all officials and citizens to “promote the welfare of everyone.”

The statement condemns recent destructive “events of lawlessness” as well as the response by the police and government. It calls for justice in politics, for the Presidency to be “a symbol of national unity” and to “Let young people register as voters and pursue democratic and lawful processes to be part of the change they want to see.”

Relating to the violent response to the young Kenyan people demonstrating to demand government action on corruption, high taxation, unemployment and unlawful use of violence by the police, the bishops’ statement demands “the government protects lives and properties and conduct thorough and fair investigations and charge all who are guilty of extra judicial killings and looting”.

The statement concludes with the plea to “Let calm prevail and love for country and neighbour be our guide and wisdom”.