The Most Revd Dr Jackson Ole Sapit, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya has shared a message to the nation following recent Gen-Z unrest and called for peace, unity and prayer.
In the last few weeks thousands of young people in Kenya, mobilising under the banner of 'Gen-Z', have taken to the streets in anti-government protests. The protests developed in June which was sparked by the controversial finance bill amidst rising tensions and instability in Kenya, over the last 2 years since the government took office. Commentators describe how youth anger has been simmering, caused by proposed tax rises, growing rates of unemployment and the cost-of-living crisis.
The anti-government protests happened in Nairobi and across other cities in Kenya. The demonstrations in Nairobi took a violent turn on June 25, with rights groups accusing officers of firing live rounds at demonstrators. Around 50 people have been killed to date.
Since that time, the Most Revd Dr Jackson Ole Sapit, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, has called for stability and peace, lamenting injuries and casualties caused, and calling the international community to take notice of what is happening to the people of Kenya.
On Friday July 19, Archbishop Jackson has shared a new statement, on behalf of the Kenyan House of Bishops, addressing the nation of Kenya and calling the Anglican Church to dedicate Sunday July 21, for prayers and fasting.
The statement includes a commendation of youth for their 'demands for accountability,' but appeals to Gen-zs to give time for the government to implement changes demanded. It honours the 'lost and injured' and calls for accountability over brutality shown in law enforcement. It appeals to protestors to suspend protests and the opportunists who have infiltrated the protests as a cover to cause harm. The statement also calls for several governmental measures and changes to swiftly address areas of injustice.
Signed July 19, 2024, at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, some excerpts are below. The full statement can be read here.
'We appreciate the Gen-zs and commend their cause, we nevertheless, appeal to them to give the government time and chance to implement the changes that are demanded. Please desist from actions that will jeopardize the very future that you are fighting for. We as a church will monitor and report the progress made in the implementation of those demands by the government....'
'Let us all work together towards a Kenya where justice, integrity and inclusivity reign supreme, and where the aspirations of each Kenyan, especially our youth, are considered and where all can meaningfully participate in creating the Kenya we want. Let us promote an all-inclusive engagement and support a rebirth of Kenya that serves all, not one that works like a limited company serving a collusion of political elites.'
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The call to the church reads: 'We, the Anglican Bishops, call upon all Christians and ACK Churches to dedicate the coming Sunday, July 21st, 2024, for prayers, repentance and fasting. Let us unite in prayer for our country, to peacefully navigate through this crisis and return to normalcy. As we pray, let us uphold the rule of law, work for peace and unity of all Kenyan people even as we demand for good governance, accountability and effective service delivery.'
The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Anthony Poggo, said, 'I have been visiting Kenya this week and I am troubled and deeply saddened by what is happening. I echo His Grace Archbishop Jackson in calling for justice, peace and order. Young Kenyans have been courageous in calling truth to power. Their voices and protest must be heard. The protests have highlighted that churches increasingly need to be places for intergenerational listening and solidarity. May we do all that we can to equip young people for leadership and keep the older generation of leaders accountable. We stand with the Anglican Church of Kenya as it commits itself to unity in prayer for their country.'
Read the full statement here
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