President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, has called on church leaders to
speak out against the violence witnessed during Wednesday’s Gen Z protests.
Speaking during a funeral service at Turbo
Catholic Parish, Farouk said the unrest, which involved looting and destruction
of property in parts of the country, posed a serious threat to national
stability.
“We are asking you, church leaders, to also
speak out against the violence and destruction we are witnessing in our
country. This is not good for our stability as a nation,” said Farouk.
He was accompanied by Nandi Senator Samson
Cherargei, who echoed the same sentiments, warning that the protests amounted
to economic sabotage.
The two leaders urged young people to shun
violence and avoid being misled into destabilising the country.
“There are many good things happening in this
country, but we must condemn the bad ones, like what happened during the
Wednesday protests,” Farouk added.
Farouk warned against using violence to push grievances, saying it only leads to loss and fear.
“We saw what happened in Nairobi, Nyeri, and other areas. It was not good at
all. We have to pray for the safety of our nation,” he said.
Senator Cherargei said nothing meaningful could be achieved through anarchy
and urged the church to pray for peace and unity in the country.
“Our youth must be told that violence or chaos cannot help them deal with
the challenges they face. We need peace and stability,” said Cherargei.
The leaders were speaking during the burial of Father Samson Maritim, a priest from Chepterwai, Nandi County.
Also present were Nandi Deputy Governor Dr.
Yulita Mitei and several Members of the County Assembly.
Farouk and Cherargei praised the late priest for his commitment to serving
the church and fostering unity.
“We will support the church and his family to ensure that the projects he
initiated are completed,” said Farouk.
Eldoret
Bishop Dominic Kimengich, who called on Kenyans to love God, respect one
another, and uphold peace, led the burial mass.
