The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church in Kenya has said that the use of force on peaceful protesters by the police was uncalled for.
In a statement seen by the Star, the church, led by the West Kenya and East Kenya Union Conferences presidents Samuel Misiani and Samuel Makori said the government must bring perpetrators to book.
They said that the Constitution of Kenya must be upheld in its entirety on any matters affecting the country, including protests.
“We urge the government to bring to book those behind the killings and all sorts of atrocities to protesters. The Kenyan National Anthem echoes in our minds as we are reminded that justice is our shield and defender and we hope justice will prevail in handling the precarious situation,” the Church said.
They urged the government to stop any further arbitrary arrests of the protesters or those perceived to be their leaders.
SDA called on the government to hold a constructive engagement with young people.
They also asked the protesting youths to allow dialogue and refrain from any destructive activities.
“Threats of all kinds, negative language, and intimidation will only cause further division,” they said.
“Exercise restraint on use of force and other crude methods that have left hundreds of Kenyans and we urge our members of Parliament to put aside their interest in Finance Bill 2024.”
The SDA Church commended President William Ruto for declining to sign the Finance Bill, 2024.
They added that President William Ruto and his government must listen to the counsel of religious leaders, especially on matters related to national unity.
“We call on various government organs to consider other people’s views always and seek harmony in order to build a better Kenya.”
This comes after the church had been called out by a section of Kenyans, especially the SDA faithful for its silence over what in over the last few days over the anti-Finance Bill demos.
Other churches had publicly condemned the reported deaths as a result of shootings, among other unlawful happenings.
The protests have seen tens of deaths, hundreds of injuries, and destruction of properties across various parts of the country.
Business people are counting losses.
