Church Leaders Demand Respect for Constitutional Rights Ahead of Saba Saba Commemorations
Cited several grievances like reports of police colluding with armed gangs who attack, rob, and even sexually assault protestors.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued a strong call to the government and security agencies to uphold the constitutional rights of Kenyans ahead of the Saba Saba Day commemorations scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2025.
In a press statement released today and signed by Rev. Dr. Elias Otieno Agola, Chairman of NCCK, and Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui, General Secretary, the church leaders expressed deep concern over what they described as a “worrying trend” of state-sanctioned denial of basic rights, particularly the right to peaceful assembly, picketing, and demonstration as enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution.
Growing Alarm Over Violations The NCCK highlighted several alarming developments including:
Violent dispersal of peaceful protests by police despite legal notification. Killings of unarmed demonstrators with no subsequent investigations or prosecutions.
Reports of police colluding with armed gangs who attack, rob, and even sexually assault protestors. Destruction and looting of property during protests, with security agencies failing to act.
An unconstitutional “shoot-to-kill” order reportedly issued by a Cabinet Secretary targeting youth approaching police stations.
A proposed amendment to the Public Order Act seeking to restrict protests near key government institutions, which the NCCK views as an affront to democracy.
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