Religious leaders under the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) have called for justice, accountability and national healing following an interdenominational memorial service held in honor of Kenyans who died during the Gen Z-led protests of June 2024.
The memorial service, held at Nairobi Baptist Church on Ngong Road, brought together clergy, families of victims and members of the public to remember those who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
The church leaders said the country must never return to a situation where citizens lose their lives while exercising their constitutional right to express themselves.
“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families, with every young person whose dreams were cut short, and with every Kenyan who continues to carry the pain and memories of that dark season in our nation,” the clergy said in a joint statement.
The church has been challenged to take a stand against injustice committed by those in power.
“To the church we must move from silence to courage.” The youth have urged the church.
“The church is not called to bless injustice. It is called to confront injustice.”
The church leaders in their statement have further welcomed efforts to ensure justice for the victims.
“Kenyans have a right to know the truth of who did what during those unfortunate moments,” the statement added.
During the service, the names of 60 identified victims were read out and immortalized, while prayers were also offered for other Kenyans whose deaths were never documented and for Tundu Lissu and Kizza Besigye as well as other East Africans detained for standing for justice.
