President William Ruto has sparked debate after accusing religious leaders of contributing to the growing wave of anti-government protests witnessed across the country.
Speaking during the 9th Kaptagat Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Program on Saturday, July 12, the Head of State claimed that both religious and political leaders have failed to discourage young people from participating in destructive demonstrations.
According to Ruto, had spiritual and political leaders joined forces to guide the youth responsibly, the country would have avoided the ongoing turmoil.
He warned that leaders using their influence to incite unrest under the guise of activism were steering the nation down a dangerous path.
His remarks come a day after Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya held the government accountable for the deaths, injuries, and widespread destruction caused during the protests.
The archbishop urged national reflection, warning that Kenya was heading toward an era of chaos if the unrest persists.
In a firm tone, Ruto vowed that anyone involved in protest-related violence would face legal consequences.
He emphasized that law enforcement officers have the constitutional mandate to restore order and bring perpetrators to justice.
On their part, religious leaders condemned what they described as excessive use of force by police, including reports of shoot-to-kill directives.
They demanded an independent probe into all cases of police brutality, property damage, and fatalities recorded during the demonstrations.
As pressure mounts, the standoff between government and religious institutions highlights a growing divide over how to handle dissent and restore calm in a country struggling with rising public anger and calls for accountability.
