CITAM's blunt message on police brutality

Protesters clash with security forces during a demonstration in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 17, 2025, following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. [AFP]

Christ Is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) has strongly condemned what it calls widespread injustices in the country, expressing concern over rising police brutality and disregard for human life.

In a statement issued by the church, Presiding Bishop Calisto Odede decried the “bloodletting of the innocent,” following a series of violent incidents during nationwide protests.

“While Kenyans expressed their constitutional rights by demanding for justice through picketing, it seems that some individuals still do not grasp the gravity of the matter and the depth of the collective anger that is cutting across the nation,” CITAM said.

Odede cited the latest case of police brutality, a hawker fatally shot in broad daylight during demonstrations, describing it as a "cold-blooded execution" caught on camera.

“They seem to have cheapened human life and operating with absolute impunity,” he added.

CITAM also condemned political leaders accused of deploying hired goons to infiltrate protests and disrupt peaceful demonstrations.

Separately, Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo called on catholic faithful to pray for three days, beginning Wednesday, with intentions centered on peace, justice, and national healing.

In a statement, Anyolo  condemned the shooting of a protester in Nairobi  who was part of a demonstration demanding justice for Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody.

“We are saddened by what transpired yesterday in Nairobi,” the Archbishop said. “We are particularly distressed by two things: the point-blank shooting of a non-violent citizen who appeared to be an innocent Kenyan, and the free operations of goons, robbing, beating civilians, and destroying property without any interference from security agencies.”

Anyolo urged the youth to remain responsible in their push against social injustices and called on priests across the Archdiocese to offer Holy Mass for the stated intentions.

The remarks by clergy comes as Kenyans plan to stage peaceful demonstrations in churches on Sunday, as part of a series of nationwide activities culminating on June 25.