Catholic Archbishop of Nairobi, Philip Anyolo, has made a heartfelt plea to the government, political leaders, and all sectors of society to prioritise the dignity and future of young people amidst the wave of anti-government protests sweeping across the country.
Speaking during a church function on Sunday, June 29, 2025, Archbishop Anyolo warned against using force on protestors, especially the youth, and emphasised that no political cause or government response should ever come at the cost of a young person’s life.
“We want to ask everybody — the government, the leaders, and the political spheres — to look at the fact that we are taking care of the dignity of the young people,” he said. “Life is never to be sacrificed for anything else, but to be given the future, for the prosperity of the nation and for the prosperity of human beings.”
Anyolo stressed that Kenya’s youth deserve to be heard, understood, and supported, not treated as threats or enemies of the state.
According to him, safeguarding the next generation should be a shared moral duty for all adults in positions of leadership and influence.
“When we have young people, we have to agree — all of us together — the leaders in government, the church, and the parents, all of us who take care of the young people, we need to listen to them and understand them and help them grow and mature,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing concerns about the use of excessive force by police during youth-led demonstrations, which have turned deadly in several counties.
Kapsabet Bishop
In what appeared to be a nuanced departure from Anyolo’s direct address to the state, Anglican Bishop Dr Paul Korir of the ACK Diocese of Kapsabet struck a different tone, turning his attention to the opposition.
He called for restraint, respect, and civility, particularly in how leaders respond to institutions of power.
According to the bishop, the opposition ought to accord the presidency due respect regardless of their stance, and express their criticism with decorum, noting that they too may one day expect the same honour when their turn to lead arrives.
“We, the church, are saying, opposition, please, let us respect the presidency. It is the symbol of unity in this country. It might be President Ruto today, it might be you tomorrow,” Bishop Korir said.
He insisted that Kenya, as a democracy, must conduct its affairs with order, structure, and respect for civil processes.
“Let us create a culture of respect, decorum, and civility, because democracy is all about civilisation.”
