"THE KILLING OF PEACEFULLY PICKETING KENYANS IS UNACCEPTABLE," NCCK

 "THE KILLING OF PEACEFULLY PICKETING KENYANS IS UNACCEPTABLE," NCCK

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) met with President Ruto yesterday evening amidst the unrest across the country after the National Assembly passed the Finance Bill 2024. The leaders expressed their concern about the widespread protests in the country. 

"The NCCK is deeply concerned about the deteriorating social and security state of the nation in the context of the spirited discourse on the Finance Bill 2024 as well as the 2024/2025 National Budget Estimates." The statement read. 

The leaders used the opportunity to inform the Head of State concerning the Finance Bill 2024, adding that Kenyans have actively opposed the bill. 

"Over the last two months, Kenyans across the country have actively and vehemently 

discussed the Finance Bill 2024. The prevailing recommendation we have received in all 

the counties was for the Members of Parliament to reject the Finance Bill 2024 so that it 

is revised to address the taxation concerns of the people."


Further, the leaders expressed their shock on the deaths and the violence witnessed in several counties during what the young people termed as 'Occupy Parliament.'  They urged President Ruto to give an ear to the grievances of the young people so as to cool the worsening situation. 



"The peaceful picketing by Kenyans, especially the youth, that has been witnessed over 

the last two weeks is a component of this robust engagement.

We are therefore greatly saddened and shocked by the deaths and violence witnessed 

yesterday."

In addition, the religious leaders advised the President not to sign the Finance Bill 2024 but rather revert it back to the National Assembly to be reconsidered. The leaders as well said that it is absurd for the members of parliament to ignore the opinions of the Kenyans by voting in favor of the Finance Bill.  

"Your Excellency, We urge you to hear the cries and pleas of Kenyans and withdraw the Finance Bill 2024. Do not sign it into law. Instead, have it reverted back to Parliament so that it is revised to reflect the wishes of the people of Kenya. This re-writing should be accompanied by a 

consequent review of the 2024/25 National Budget Estimates to align it to the fiscal reality of the nation. We should have a Finance Act and National Budget that are based on the 

principle of living within our means. We find it heartless, insensitive and disdainful for the Members of Parliament to ignore the 

will of the people by passing the Finance Bill 2024. By this action, Parliament erased its 

legitimacy in the eyes of the voters. We encourage your government to listen to the people and align the Finance Bill to the will of the people so that it inspires hope and energizes productivity, and dignifies 

livelihoods." Read the statement.

The leaders as well termed the killing of dozens of peacefully picketing Kenyans by the police as totally unacceptable and must not be repeated.

Recognizing the constitutional right of Kenyans to peacefully demonstrate and present memoranda to public officials, the leaders urged President Ruto to instruct the police to cease killing and physically harming demonstrators, instruct the police to cease the emerging trend of abductions, clandestine arrests and forced disappearances of Kenyans who voice their opinions on national matters,

instruct the security agencies to immediately release all the persons who have been abducted or otherwise arrested and rescind the Kenya Gazette as well as resolution of National Assembly deploying 

the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the country.

The leaders also reminded the President that he is the symbol of national unity, and it is in his hands to reassure, calm and unite Kenyans at all times. They appealed to him to publicly recognize and condole with the hundreds of Kenyans who are mourning the deaths of their loved ones, and comfort the

hundreds more are nursing injuries.

By John Toris

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