Nomiya Cardinal Dr. Moses Teddy Oketch Ayoma has criticised politicians for allegedly using young people to fuel unrest ahead of the planned June 25 demonstrations commemorating Gen Z protesters who lost their lives during the 2024 anti-government finance bill protests.
The cleric warned that the anniversary demonstrations should not result in another loss of life, urging political leaders opposed to the government to stop inciting youths to take to the streets under the guise of peaceful and unarmed protests.
Speaking during a prayer service at Nomiya Church in Manyatta B Ward, Kisumu East, on Sunday, Cardinal Oketch said the government and security agencies had not done enough to ensure justice for victims of previous protest-related violence.
He singled out Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, saying more should be done to identify, arrest and prosecute individuals responsible for violence and destruction witnessed during demonstrations.
At the same time, the Cardinal cautioned the government against using excessive force in maintaining law and order, insisting that security agencies should handle protesters in a professional and restrained manner.
On the economy, Cardinal Oketch expressed concern over the 2026/27 national budget, claiming it contains provisions that could further increase the cost of living for ordinary Kenyans. He urged the government to address the rising cost of fuel, which he said continues to place a heavy burden on households and businesses across the country.
The cleric also weighed in on the growing cases of school unrest, arguing that parents have a primary responsibility to instill discipline in their children. He supported calls for the reintroduction of corporal punishment in schools, describing it as a possible solution to the wave of student indiscipline and school arson incidents being witnessed in various parts of the country.
Cardinal Oketch maintained that restoring discipline among learners requires a collective effort from parents, teachers and the government to safeguard the future of the country’s education sector.
