In the wake of escalating unrest and the shooting of Boniface Kariuki during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi, the Catholic Church has stepped in with a call for spiritual intervention, mourning, and reflection.
The Archdiocese of Nairobi, in a statement issued on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, signed by Archbishop Philip A. Anyolo, has declared a 14-day Marathon of Rosaries, inviting Catholics and all people of goodwill to unite in prayer for peace, justice, and healing.
Kariuki, an unarmed face mask seller, was shot point-blank on June 17, 2025, as Kenyans took to the streets to demand justice for slain teacher Albert Ojwang’.
The Catholic Church, in its statement, has also taken issue with reports of gangs roaming freely during the protests, assaulting civilians, looting businesses, and damaging property as security forces looked the other way.
The Church is now urging the faithful to respond not with vengeance but with prayer. Over the next 14 days, Catholics are called to engage in a daily Rosary for four specific intentions.
They have been urged to pray that the dignity and sanctity of every human life may be respected and upheld, pray for the restoration and preservation of peace and order in Nairobi and across Kenya, for the souls of those who have died, and for the comfort of their grieving families, and for national leaders, that God may guide them to act justly and end the suffering of Kenyans.
“In light of the tragic events that occurred on Tuesday, 17 June in Nairobi during protests over the killing of Albert Ojwang’, we write to you with heavy hearts. We are particularly distressed by two grave incidents: the point-blank shooting of an unarmed and seemingly innocent citizen and the unchecked operations of violent groups, armed with poles, who were seen robbing, assaulting citizens, and destroying property and businesses without intervention from security agencies,” the statement read in part.
“In response to these deeply troubling occurrences, we hereby call upon all Catholics within our Archdiocese and all people of goodwill to engage in a Marathon of Rosaries over the next fourteen (14) days, praying for the following intentions,” the church stated, before proceeding to list the specific intentions.
Call to priests
In addition, priests have been asked to offer Holy Masses for peace and justice throughout the fortnight, with a special emphasis on Sunday, June 22 — the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. On designated weekdays — June 19, 20, 23, and 25 — they are requested to celebrate the “Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice” using the Roman Missal.
“We also ask all priests within the Archdiocese of Nairobi to offer Holy Masses for these intentions, beginning today and especially on Sunday 22 June (Solemnity of Corpus Christi). Let us earnestly invoke God’s mercy upon our nation. In offering His Body, Christ redeemed the world and conquered evil. As our Lord says, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Let us entrust our city of Nairobi, and indeed our entire nation, to our Eucharistic Lord,” the statement read.
“Furthermore, on the following ferial days: Thursday 19 June, Friday 20 June, Monday 23 June and Wednesday 25 June, all priests are requested to celebrate the Mam for the Preservation of Peace and Justice (Kudumisha Amani na Ilaki) as found in the Roman Missal (Misale ya Kiroma), pages 1113 to 1115.”
Officers interdicted
The National Police Service (NPS) has since interdicted and disclosed the identities of two police officers arrested in connection with the shooting and injuring of protesters in Nairobi.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga revealed that two police officers have been arrested following the incident that drew widespread condemnation from across the country.
“Following yesterday’s disturbing shooting incident, the National Police Service (NPS) wishes to provide the following update to the public: The details of the two police officers arrested yesterday are as follows: 1. No. 119413 Police Constable Klinzy Barasa Masinde 2. No. 117193 Police Constable Duncan Kiprono,” the police statement reads.
“The two officers have now been interdicted and are currently being processed by the homicide team at the DCI headquarters, pending further action.”
Meanwhile, Kariuki, who was shot in the head at close range, is still fighting for his life at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after undergoing surgery to remove the bullet that was lodged in his skull.
