The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has made a significant appeal to the youth, urging them to temporarily halt their anti-government protests.

Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit emphasized the importance of giving President William Ruto the necessary time to implement reforms that address the concerns raised by the demonstrators. This call for patience comes in light of the President’s recent actions, including the dismissal of his Cabinet Secretaries and the signing of the IEBC (Amendment) Bill, 2024 into law.

In his address, Archbishop Sapit directly appealed to the younger generation, encouraging them to exercise restraint during this transitional period.

“We appeal to protesters to suspend protests and give the government time to attend to the raft of demands, some of which the President has begun to address including firing most of his Cabinet Secretaries, signing of the IEBC Amendment Bill 2024 into law and the resignation of the IG of Police among others,” said Ole Sapit at the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi.

He expressed optimism that as the President appoints new officials, merit will be prioritized in selecting capable leaders to support the administration’s goals.

“Going forward, let the President heed the voice of Kenyans and appoint both the commissioners and the Cabinet men and women of high integrity and competence,” said the Archbishop.

The Archbishop also highlighted the critical need for maintaining peace and order amidst the ongoing protests. He cautioned the youth against actions that could jeopardize the future of the nation, reminding them that their aspirations for a better Kenya resonate with all citizens.

“Please desist from actions that will jeopardise the very future that we are all fighting for. We as a church will monitor and report any progress that is made and also demand that whatever has been committed should be implemented.”

In addition to urging patience, Archbishop Sapit called for a professional approach to managing protests. He stressed the responsibility of law enforcement to ensure the safety of demonstrators, advocating for a balanced response that respects citizens’ rights to express their grievances. His plea for police to manage protests without resorting to violence, such as live ammunition or tear gas, reflects a commitment to upholding human rights and maintaining public order.

“Let the police provide protestors with security and professionally manage protests without resorting to the use of live bullets, teargassing of demonstrators, and arbitrary arrests,” he said.

Finally, the Archbishop condemned recent attacks on media personnel, reinforcing the idea that every Kenyan has a right to access information.

He reiterated the ACK’s commitment to monitoring the government’s adherence to its promises, emphasizing the importance of accountability in governance.