Philip Anyolo Breaks Silence after Protest Chaos, Issues 3-Day Directive to Catholic Faithful

• Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo strongly condemned the violent protests that rocked Nairobi on Tuesday, June 17, and expressed deep sorrow over police brutality
• The archbishop called out the inaction of law enforcement officers as gangs terrorised citizens and destroyed businesses in broad daylight
• He urged Catholics across the country to engage in three days of prayer and reflection, calling for peace, respect for life, and responsible leadership

TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

When Nairobi descended into chaos on Tuesday, June 17, the Catholic Church did not stay silent.

Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Nairobi Diocese has come out strongly to denounce the violence and lawlessness witnessed during the anti-government protests that paralysed parts of the capital.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Anyolo said the Church was deeply pained by the day’s events, especially the acts of brutality committed during what began as peaceful demonstrations.

The cleric was particularly disturbed by a viral footage showing a police officer shooting a street vendor at close range. The mask seller, who was unarmed, reportedly posed no threat.

“We are deeply saddened by what happened in Nairobi during the protests that followed the killing of Albert Ojwang,” he said. “We are especially troubled by the point-blank shooting of a non-violent citizen who, from what we could see, appeared to be just an innocent Kenyan going about his day.”

Anyolo also condemned the wave of looting and assaults that unfolded in full public view, pointing a finger at law enforcement for standing by without intervening.

“There were groups of people, clearly seen carrying poles, who were beating up citizens, robbing them, and destroying property and businesses,” he lamented. “All this happened in the full view of the public, without any intervention from the police.”

Anyolo gives directive to Catholic faithful

In his message, Anyolo urged Kenyans to stay calm and respond to injustice with responsibility and faith rather than anger or violence.

“We encourage all Kenyans to remain calm,” he said. “Especially to our people, in the face of the current suffering, we ask you to be responsible in how you respond to the social injustices affecting our country. Hope in God never disappoints us. Let us continue to allow the spirit of God to guide us during these trying times.”

To channel the nation’s pain into prayer, the archbishop announced a three-day Rosary marathon and encouraged all Catholics to take part.

“We are calling on all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Nairobi and beyond to begin praying the Rosary, a marathon of Rosaries, for the next three days. Let us pray for the respect of human life and dignity, for law and order in Nairobi and across the country, for those who have lost their lives or loved ones, and for our leaders, that God may touch their hearts and help them see the damage they are causing in this nation,” he said.

He noted that the call to prayer coincides with an important day in the Catholic calendar.

“This Sunday is the Feast of Corpus Christi in the Catholic faith,” Anyolo explained. “In the days that follow, we are asking our priests to celebrate Mass with these intentions in mind, and to continue invoking God’s mercy upon our country.”

Archbishop Anyolo’s statement comes amid rising public anger over the growing cases of police violence during protests and the government’s perceived failure to address citizens’ grievances.

What else you need to know about Nairobi protests

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered the arrest and interdiction of the officer who shot the mask vendor

Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja called for a thorough investigation into the chaos and alleged police injustices, urging Kenyans to use legal avenues to express their grievances

Raila Odinga’s staunch supporter, Calvince Gaucho, denied claims that he mobilised the goons who infiltrated the protests

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke