Catholic Bishops Warn Against Death Threats Ahead of Gen-Z Protests

As the nation braces for renewed Gen-Z-led demonstrations, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has issued a powerful statement condemning threats of violence and calling for immediate restraint from both government and protest leaders.  

In a strongly worded press conference held today in Nairobi, the bishops warned that the growing use of fear, threats, and intimidation—especially from state actors—poses a serious danger to Kenya’s democracy and social cohesion.  

“We are alarmed by the rising trend of death threats being issued in political discourse,”

 said Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, the chairperson of KCCB. 

“This is not only reckless, but an assault on the sanctity of life. No Kenyan should be threatened or harmed for exercising their rights The bishops’ message was firm: Kenya must not slide into a culture of fear and violence under the guise of law enforcement or political control. They denounced recent abductions and assaults on young demonstrators, describing such acts as unconstitutional and unacceptable in a civilized society exercising their rights.” 

Calling on both the government and the youth-led protest movements to exercise maximum restraint ahead of the June 25 demonstrations, the bishops reminded all parties of the cost of political recklessness. 

“We cannot protect peace with bullets, and we cannot demand loyalty with fear,”

 said Bishop john Oballa of Ngong Dioceses. 

"Let us not play games with death threats  -  every life matters"                                                

The bishops also issued a heartfelt tribute to families who have lost loved ones during previous protests, proposing a permanent memorial to honour the fallen Gen-Z youth. 

“These young people were not criminals,”

 said Bishop Joseph Obanyi of Kakamega. 

“They were citizens with a voice. Their pain must not be forgotten. Their deaths must not go unanswered.” 

With emotions still raw from previous demonstrations, the bishops’ address comes at a critical time. Their intervention is being interpreted as a moral call to national sanity—urging leaders to step back from hardline rhetoric and embrace dialogue and accountability. 

Civil society leaders and political observers say the bishops' statement could help calm public sentiment and redirect energy toward peaceful, constructive engagement. 

 

Editorial Note: 

Tomorrow’s demonstrations will be a crucial test of whether the country is ready to listen to reason, protect life, and preserve democracy.
The Church has spoken. The call for peace and justice is clear. 

Will Kenya’s leaders and citizens heed the call?
  Share your thoughts in the comments — do you believe dialogue and restraint will prevail? Let’s talk. 

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