Church authorities have cautioned the opposition against pressing for nationwide demonstrations over the Witima church attack in Nyeri County, saying such actions could heighten tensions and disrupt peace in the country.
The opposition had set a February 16 deadline for the government to make arrests over the assault on worshippers at Witima ACK Church, threatening mass protests if no action is taken.
Addressing the media, the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) said Kenya cannot risk another wave of unrest and called on leaders to seek lawful and peaceful ways to address grievances.
At the same time, the church demanded swift action from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja against those involved in the Nyeri attack.
“We want to see them charged and arrested. They have already been disowned, but why are authorities not taking action?” said Reverend Thegu Mutahi, the PCEA moderator. "We are governed by the rule of law. This cannot be swept under the carpet.”
Mutahi, representing the PCEA Business Committee, which comprises leaders from the church’s 61 presbyteries, said the clergy felt compelled to speak out amid growing political intolerance and threats to public safety.
“We want to thank God for the peace and tranquillity in the country. Kenyans are hardworking and resilient. But we are deeply concerned by recent developments where worshippers can be attacked inside a church. People come to church unarmed to worship God. When they are attacked, it is very sad,” he said.
He noted that several weeks after the incident, no arrests had been made, raising concerns about the enforcement of justice.
The church echoed President William Ruto’s warning against politicising places of worship, insisting that churches must remain neutral.
“We have said it before, and we say it again, the church must not be used as a political object,” Mutahi said.
“Even where there are political differences, violence in a church can never be justified. No utterances had even been made before the commotion began.”
While recognising that opposition activities are constitutionally protected, the clerics urged political leaders to pursue alternative ways of engaging rather than taking to the streets.
“We have heard the call for mass action, and we know what mass action has done in this country before,” Mutahi said.
“Lives have been lost, property destroyed, businesses disrupted. We are not fully recovered from the last unrest when young people took to the streets.”
Mutahi warned that Kenya’s experience shows demonstrations often spiral into violence, affecting the economy and society.
“If there are other ways of resolving the issues facing us, it would be better than demonstrations that take a toll on our economy and our people,” he said.
The church also called for political restraint as the nation approaches the next election cycle, urging leaders to avoid provocative statements that could inflame tensions.
“Our leaders must exercise tolerance, responsibility and restraint. Some statements provoke retaliation, and then the nation pays the price,” Mutahi added.
