CITAM Church Denies Turning Away Protesters Seeking Refuge: “No Evidence”

• CITAM church has shared a statement to counter claims of refusing to support stranded protesters
• The claims from X purported that protesters who were allegedly attacked during a State House march sought refuge in the church
• However, the church shared a list of reasons why protesters could not get help, along with instances where they have supported Kenyans

Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) Valley Road has responded to claims of turning away protesters during Wednesday, June 25, demos in the CBD.

On Thursday, June 26, information spread widely among many users on X, accusing the church of shutting its doors to protesters who tried to access the church and seek refuge.

Some of the protesters were said to have been marching to State House but were allegedly pushed back by the police, leading them to the church based on Valley Road.

Did CITAM church turn away protesters seeking refuge?

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In a statement on their social media channels on Thursday, June 26, the church denied the claims, noting that there was no evidence of such an occurrence.

In the report by Deputy Bishop Rev Justus Mugambi, the church reminded Kenyans of their recent statement rebuking the murder of Albert Ojwang and the shooting of Boniface Kariuki.

"On 18th June 2025, our Presiding Bishop issued a public statement titled, Concerns Over the Bloodletting of the Innocent in the Country, where we affirmed the constitutional right of Kenyans to peacefully assemble and express their grievances through picketing. Furthermore, CITAM acknowledges and respects the participation of its members in demonstrations held yesterday, 25th June 2025 in memory of those who lost their lives during last year's protests against the 2024 Finance Bill."

Justus wrote that the church had gone through its security records and CCTV footage that showed no one was denied entry into the church.

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"We have noted with concern allegations circulating on social media platform X, claiming that demonstrators seeking refuge were turned away by security personnel at CITAM Valley Road, one of our assemblies. In response, we wish to clarify the following: Based on our security records and a thorough review of CCTV footage, there is no evidence that any person approached the premises seeking refuge on the said date. Therefore, no individual was denied entry," said the statement.

The church also disclosed having received calls from people who wanted help and were directed to CITAM Valley Road, but never showed up.

The announcement also mentioned the roadblocks and barriers that were set up by the police, which would make it impossible for demonstrators to make it to the church.

CITAM said it is their policy to open doors of all their assemblies to anyone needing help, adding they have assisted members of the public in the past, during times of crisis.

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"We have our track record in humanitarian and disaster response. Through our Social Action and Advocacy Department and our local assemblies, CITAM has consistently responded to emergencies and national crises including the Embakasi fire tragedy, the Mai Mahiu flood disaster, and drought relief efforts in various regions of the country. It is within our mandate, policy and practice to embrace the vulnerable and needy in society," the church added.

CITAM said it deeply values the lives and dignity of Kenyans and remains committed to being the salt and light of the nation.

"We stand with all Kenyans for truth, justice, and unity as we work toward a more just and peaceful society," the statement ended.

A CITAM Church member, Joy Kilonzo, told TUKO.co.ke that the church always welcomes those in need and the claims on X were disturbing.

"According to how I know my church, they have always been open to helping people in need during difficult times. I saw the X claims and was stunned. I'm so glad that they have clarified it and I'm happy with the response."

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Why did Omtatah join protesters in the CBD?

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported about Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah's idea of why he joined the Nairobi protests.

Appearing on NTV's Fix The Nation morning show, the politician said the idea of storming State House was suicidal and the main reason why he joined the protests.

The senator said the move would have caused a bloodbath, which would have been more serious than the Anti-Finance Bill protests in 2024.

Omtatah said the main reason for the march was to commemorate those who lost their lives in last year's protest, and he did not want to see others lose their lives.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke