Church Supports Anti-Finance Bill Protests, Urges Government to Review Legislation
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has endorsed the ongoing protests against the finance bill that have spread across the country.
The 2010 Kenyan Constitution’s Article 37 grants every citizen the right to assemble, peacefully demonstrate, picket, and petition.
Festus Malua, NCCK Chairperson for Machakos, noted that many Kenyans have shown their dissatisfaction with the bill through recent demonstrations. The council urges the government to review the entire bill.
“Let Kenyans picket. Every person has the right, peacefully, unarmed, to assemble, demonstrate picket or to present petitions to the public authorities,” Malua stated.
The church has also voiced its concern about the police’s use of excessive force to manage the protests and calls for support against the bill.
This follows the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) giving the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) three weeks to investigate the death of a protestor shot on Thursday during the Anti-Finance Bill protests in the CBD.
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The ODPP informed the public about the death of the young protestor shot during the peaceful demonstrations.
“Rex Kanyike Masai, aged 29 years old, was allegedly shot on Thursday 20th June 2024 within the Central Business District, Nairobi, and died while undergoing medical treatment at Bliss Health Care Centre, Moi Avenue,” the statement read in part.
Similarly, Bishop James Wainaina of the Murang’a Catholic Diocese urged police to avoid excessive force when managing protests.
The Kenya Red Cross reported 39 injuries from the demonstrations, with 8 in critical condition and 31 with minor injuries.
Authorities confirmed two deaths by the time of publication, including a 29-year-old protestor who died from leg injuries.
The Kenya Red Cross stated that those in critical condition were taken to Kenyatta National Hospital for further treatment.
Several injuries, mostly involving young people, were reported during the demonstrations.
Church Supports Anti-Finance Bill Protests, Urges Government to Review Legislation