The National Council Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has okayed the ongoing anti-finance bill protests that have rocked the country.
Article 37 of the constitution of Kenya 2010 gives every Kenyan the right to assemble, peacefully demonstrate, picket, and petition.
According to the NCCK Chairperson, Machakos branch, Festus Malua, following the recent demonstrations that have rocked various parts of the country, most Kenyans have registered their displeasure over the bill. The council now calls upon the state to relook at 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.
In a joint call to rally behind those who are rejecting the bill, the church is deeply concerned about how the police employed excessive force to restore order during the demonstrations.
This comes a day after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) gave the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) three weeks to conclude investigations into the death of a protestor who was shot on Thursday within the CBD during the Anti-Finance Bill protests.
ODPP confirmed to the public the death of the young protestor who was shot on Thursday 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, the catholic diocese of Murang'a under Bishop James Wainaina has echoed similar sentiments. Wainaina urged the police to exercise restraint against using excessive force while restoring order during demonstrations or protests.
The Kenya Red Cross issued an update on the number of fatalities recorded in the demonstrations. It recorded a total of 39 persons injured. Of these people injured, 8 were cases under critical condition and 31 were nursing minor injuries.
The authorities had, at the time this story was published, confirmed a total of two deaths, including a 29-year-old protestor who succumbed to injuries on his leg.
According to the humanitarian body, those in critical condition had been evacuated to Kenyatta National Hospital for further treatment.
Several injuries were reported to have occurred during the demonstrations, most of them involving young people.
