Jackson Ole Sapit Demands Arrest and Prosecution of Goons, Looters: "We Condemn"
- Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit called for the arrest of those behind recent protest violence, warning that Kenya is slipping into chaos
- The ACK bishops condemned extrajudicial killings, looting, and state brutality, demanding accountability from both civilians and police
- They criticised President William Ruto’s perceived "shoot" policy and urged lawful arrests instead of deadly force
- The clerics also called for an end to political barazas and reckless online rhetoric, saying leaders are fuelling unrest
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has called for the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the wave of lawlessness witnessed during nationwide protests.
Source: Facebook
In a national address issued on behalf of the ACK House of Bishops, Ole Sapit condemned the rising tide of violence, destruction, and political recklessness in the country.
Sapit called for urgent national introspection and decisive action against lawlessness in the country, urging the government to prosecute those behind looting, thuggery, and extrajudicial killings.
The archbishop painted a bleak picture of a nation at a dangerous crossroads, describing Kenya as "slowly slipping into unrest, thuggery and chaos".
He warned that unless immediate action is taken, the country risks plunging into further instability.
The clergy expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and livelihoods, offering prayers and condolences to families of victims, the injured, and those left permanently disabled.
They called for the government to take responsibility and ensure thorough and impartial investigations into all acts of violence, whether committed by civilians or state officers.
The church also demanded compensation for bereaved families and those whose businesses were looted or destroyed.
"We demand the government protects lives and properties and conduct thorough and fair investigations and charge all who are guilty of extra judicial killings and looting. We condemn use of excessive force and call upon the government to take responsibility for lost lives and compensate affected families as well as those who have lost their businesses," the clerics stated.
Ole Sapit reserved especially harsh words for organised vigilante groups and rogue police officers accused of using excessive force.
"We condemn the emergence of goons, and organised vigilante groups witnessed in the recent protests," read the statement in part.
The statement came in the wake of deadly protests that have rocked various parts of the country, leaving scores dead, properties destroyed, and businesses shut down.
Did ACK oppose Ruto's shoot-to-kill order?
The bishops opposed what they termed a "shoot to kill" policy, saying such directives go against legal and moral principles.
Instead, they appealed for lawful arrests, due process, and prosecution of those caught stealing or destroying property.
The ACK also took issue with the political rhetoric fuelling divisions, urging the government to empower the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to clamp down on incitement and ethnic hate speech.
They called on both the ruling coalition and the opposition to abandon ethnic balkanisation and "political thuggery" in favour of national unity.
Source: Facebook
In a notable shift, the bishops urged a halt to political barazas, saying they were now doing more harm than good.
Leaders and influencers on social media were also put on notice to moderate their language and refrain from inciting the public.
"Public barazas by politicians are causing more harm than good and we strongly urge that such barazas by whatever political divide should cease forthwith. All leaders and those who use social media spaces should check the language they use especially in the public square," the church stated.
While acknowledging that the right to protest is protected under the Constitution, the bishops urged organisers to suspend demonstrations, citing a pattern of deadly violence.
Why did Ole Sapit call out Kenyans
Elsewhere, Ole Sapit condemned the act of celebrating deaths, even those of unpopular politicians or public figures.
He described this behaviour as deeply troubling and inhumane, emphasising that no death should be a reason for rejoicing.
Sapit acknowledged that public frustration toward leaders may explain the emotional reaction, but insisted it offers no justification for celebrating the loss of life.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
