The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has dismissed claims that the Church is behind the recent wave of Gen Z-led protests, maintaining that its role is strictly prophetic, pastoral, and mediatory, not political.
In an exclusive interview with Kisumu-based Sky FM on Tuesday, NCCK Kisumu Region Chairman, Bishop Dr. Clement Otieno, defended the clergy’s involvement in national affairs, emphasizing that the Church has always stood for peace and justice.
“We’ve been very consistent. We are not activists. We provide a prophetic voice. If the country hears us, deliverance will come,” said Dr. Otieno. “The Church has been consoling the bereaved, solving societal problems, and preaching peace, that’s our role.”
Dr. Otieno made it clear that the Church has not organized or backed any violent demonstrations, noting that Article 37 of the Constitution gives all Kenyans the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
“We’ve never fueled Gen Z protests. What we are saying is that young people should be given space to express themselves. Nothing good comes from violence,” he said.
He urged protesters to act responsibly and avoid provoking police officers, warning that the use of force against fellow citizens only deepens the national divide.
“The police officer you want to stone is your brother. The one you want to shoot is your sister. Let us all be accountable,” he urged.
Dr. Otieno accused political actors of sabotaging the protests by deploying hired hooligans to incite violence and disrupt otherwise peaceful demonstrations.
“There are politicians who warned Gen Z ahead of the protests, and it came to pass. We saw goons on bodabodas beating protesters. These are not coincidences,” he stated. “The murder of Boniface Kariuki, the mask vendor shot in the head, is unacceptable. The government must take full responsibility for the safety of its citizens.”
He further condemned the use of lethal force by security agencies, accusing police of working alongside armed groups to intimidate and assault demonstrators.
“Police officers were seen escorting goons carrying crude weapons during the Gen Z protests. The government must urgently redefine the police’s role,” he said.
In a rare show of bipartisan praise, Dr. Otieno commended opposition leader Raila Odinga for embracing dialogue, calling him “a gift from God.”
“Some people say Raila loves himself too much. But I want to say in broad daylight — Raila Odinga is a gift from God. Kenya would not be enjoying this stability without him,” he declared.
He also applauded President William Ruto for extending an olive branch to Odinga and forging a working agreement that has helped de-escalate national tensions.
“I want to thank President Ruto for bowing down and entering into a deal with Odinga. That has helped bring peace and stability,” Otieno noted.
The cleric said the Church supports a broad-based government that delivers on its promises but warned that religious leaders will continue to hold leaders accountable.
“We can’t oppose the government if it is delivering. But we are closely watching the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed. Promises were made to Kenyans, and we are waiting for their fulfillment,” he warned.
He praised senior political leaders including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Energy and petroleum CS James Opiyo Wandayi, and Treasury CS John Mbadi for their efforts, describing them as leaders striving to uphold their responsibilities.
“Wandayi, Duale, and Mbadi are really trying. We give credit where it’s due,” he said.
Dr. Otieno’s remarks come amid a heated national conversation about the Church’s place in civic life, particularly as Gen Z continues to demand justice for their peers killed during previous protests, including the June 25, 2025 demonstrations held in memory of victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
