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Thomson Reuters
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Thomson Reuters
World News

Christian leaders respond to violent Kenyan youth protests

by Lydia Davies

In Nairobi, Kenya, youth protests against proposed tax hikes have prompted a significant reaction from the Church in a nation where Christianity deeply influences the majority, including the president.

Accusing the Church of aligning with the government's stance, young demonstrators have actively protested against politicians, claiming they are exploiting church platforms for political gain.

Responding to these accusations, Catholic leaders in Nairobi organised a Mass to honour those who lost their lives in the anti-tax demonstrations. This event saw a large turnout of young parishioners at the Holy Family Basilica, seeking to pray for the deceased.

The protests highlighted a disconnect between the Church and Generation Z, who argue that religious institutions have not sufficiently supported their concerns over tax increases.

Bishop Simon Kamomoe sought to bridge this gap, acknowledging the youths' disappointment and asking for forgiveness where the Church may have failed them. According to BBC News, he addressed the young protesters, saying: “I know as young people sometimes you feel disappointed even in the Church.

“We would like to renew our commitment in serving you. We can be mistaken…May the Lord forgive us as a Church, where even before God, we have disappointed you.”

He urged them to be patient, to be guided by the Church, and to repent of any sins committed during the protests.

“We don't want to lose you, we don't want to lose our young people,” he said. “The Catholic bishops are so concerned about losing this generation."

The service ended with attendees showing their patriotism through songs and waving Kenyan flags.

This period of civil unrest beginning on 25th June, has seen at least 39 fatalities.

President William Ruto has since aligned with protesters' views against politicising church pulpits and has implemented measures to regulate public charitable donations among state officers and public servants.

Reverend Chris Kinyanjui of Kenya’s National Council of Churches recognised the critical role of Gen Z in challenging the status quo and stressed a more proactive approach by religious leaders in future engagements with government policies.

He told BBC News: “We were happy that the president was able to defuse [this crisis], because if he had signed that finance bill into law, who knows what we'd have become.”

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