Nairobi, Kenya – The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has demanded an unreserved apology from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following recent attacks on places of worship, including the latest incident at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Witima Parish in Nyeri County.
NCCK Condemnation
In a press statement issued on Monday, the Council expressed grave concern over police officers lobbing tear gas canisters inside the church during a Sunday service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies.
“The Church expresses her grave concern about the desecration of places of worship by Police,” said NCCK.
The Council argued that the conduct violated the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and worship, as well as the Public Order Act and the National Police Service Act, which regulate law enforcement behavior during public assemblies.
Pattern of Attacks
NCCK described the Nyeri incident as part of a disturbing trend, citing at least nine previous cases since 2020 where police disrupted church services with tear gas. These include:
- African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Murang’a County
- Chosen Generation Church in Nakuru
- All Saints’ Cathedral and Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi
- PEFA Church in Nyandarua
- Africa Inland Church in Subukia
- PCEA Kariobangi North in Nairobi
- AIPCA Church in Kiambu County
The Council lamented that no disciplinary action has ever been taken against police officers implicated in these incidents.
“The Police officers who deliberately broke the law have not been interdicted, investigated, prosecuted or otherwise held accountable for their heinous crime indicating state approval at the highest level,” NCCK added.
Sunday Incident
During the Nyeri service, tear gas canisters were hurled inside the church, sparking fear and disrupting worship. The National Police Service (NPS) later confirmed that the disruption caused damage to several cars parked within the church compound, though no injuries were reported.
Call for Accountability
Kenyan churches are now demanding accountability and respect for places of worship, warning that continued attacks undermine constitutional freedoms and erode public trust in law enforcement.
Conclusion
The NCCK’s strong condemnation underscores growing tensions between religious institutions and law enforcement agencies. As calls for apologies and accountability mount, the government faces pressure to address concerns over police conduct and safeguard the sanctity of worship spaces across the country.
