Kirinyaga Church Leaders Raise Alarm over Rising Deaths Linked to Police Brutality

• Religious leaders in Kirinyaga county joined the ongoing national debate over deaths linked to police brutality
• Under the Kirinyaga Clergy Forum umbrella, the clergy expressed the need for immediate action to restore justice
• They also declared their stand on cases of violence and destruction of properties witnessed during protests

A section of religious leaders in Kirinyaga county has strongly condemned the rising cases of police brutality, including killings during demonstrations, and deaths in police custody.

The clergy are now warning that Kenya is drifting dangerously off course, both morally and constitutionally.

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They expressed deep concern that the country is facing a national crisis of values and governance, and urged immediate action to restore justice.

Speaking during a press briefing held at ACK Kutus Church, members of the Kirinyaga Clergy Forum described the trend as both heartbreaking and dangerous.

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Their statement was read on behalf of the clergy by Josephat Wachira, Carson Maina, and Bishop Gathaiya.

“Life is sacred, and only God has the right to take it. Any Kenyan who breaks the law should be taken through a fair legal process. The temptation to end life through extrajudicial means is not the way to go. It undermines justice and breeds fear in society,” the clergy said.

They noted that the growing fear among activists and ongoing violations, such as the killing of protesters and unexplained deaths in detention, paint a grim picture of the current state of human rights in the country.

The clergy emphasised that Kenya is a shared heritage from God, built on sacrifices, and must be protected through patriotism, prayer, and individual accountability.

“It took a long, bloody journey to build this country. Our founding fathers made deep sacrifices, including their lives. But it can take just one reckless decision or violent trend to tear it all down,” said Rev. Wachira.

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On his part, Bishop Gathaiya called on the state to act decisively through justice, not brutality, as it has been witnessed in recent days.

He also expressed the need for all state agencies to uphold the Constitution.

“Let us stand together in truth, justice, and unity. We must never accept a country where life is taken without due process or accountability,” he said.

As public concern grows, the Kirinyaga clergy have added their voice to the national demand for answers, justice, and restoration of constitutional order.

They also warned against the normalisation of violence and urged citizens, civil society, and government leaders to reject any culture that devalues human life.

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

Source: TUKO.co.ke