Bishops from the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) in the Nyanza region are calling for the disbandment of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The clergy came out boldly accusing the unit of being behind a worrying rise in enforced disappearances, harassment, and extrajudicial killings.
Led by Maseno South Bishop Charles Onginjo, the clergy issued a scathing statement during a press conference at the New Cathedral Church in Kisumu on June 20, 2025.
Onginjo noted it was time that a body like the DCI should be phased out amid rising disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
“Time has come that a body like the DCI should be phased out,” he noted.
They condemned what they termed as unchecked brutality and misuse of power by the DCI.
“We cannot and will not keep quiet when a police unit, paid by taxpayers, operates like a terror gang licensed to kill,” said Bishop Onginjo. “The DCI has morphed into a dreaded force being used by the powerful to suppress and instill fear in innocent Kenyans.”
Bishop Onginjo challenged President William Ruto to exercise his constitutional mandate and protect citizens from rogue elements within the security sector.
“Acknowledging the fact that the president is the symbol of unity, we are disappointed that President Ruto has virtually failed to stand with the ordinary Kenyans who are the target of police brutality. We cannot and will not keep quiet when a unit of the police paid by taxpayers’ money becomes a terror gang licensed to kill. When it reaches a point when people see the police as enemy ’number one, then you know that we have lost the nation to lawlessness,” he said.
The bishops painted a grim picture of eroding public trust in law enforcement, warning that it could breed retaliation and lawlessness. “When citizens begin to perceive the police as the enemy, the country is on a dangerous path,” warned Onginjo.
His sentiments were echoed by Bishop David Kodia of Bondo, who chairs the ACK Nyanza regional chapter. He said the bishops had gathered in Kisumu for a national prayer and reflection on the worsening state of affairs in the country.
“We are here to pray, but also to raise a prophetic voice on behalf of the voiceless,” said Kodia. “Kenya cannot thrive when those tasked with upholding the law are seen as violators of the same.”
The clergy urged immediate reforms in the security sector, warning that failure to act decisively would plunge the country into a deeper crisis.
