Religious leaders have called for peace, restraint and accountability ahead of the June 25, 2026 commemorations, warning that the country must not witness another round of deaths, injuries or destruction during public demonstrations.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, KCCB, and the Inter Religious Council of Kenya, IRCK, said Kenyans have a constitutional right to assemble and express themselves, but insisted that all public gatherings must protect human life and respect property.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on June 23, the bishops said no political, civic or religious cause should be allowed to compromise the sanctity of life.

They urged organizers, demonstrators and security agencies to act responsibly during the planned national activities, including events marking the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests.

The bishops said participants in demonstrations must respect both private and public property, warning that destruction weakens the legitimacy of civic action and undermines national stability.

They also raised concern over what they described as “goonism,” saying there was a growing risk that criminal elements could infiltrate otherwise lawful and peaceful activities.

The faith leaders warned that such infiltration should not be allowed to derail genuine civic expression or provide justification for violence.

In a separate appeal, the Inter Religious Council of Kenya called for justice, accountability and peaceful commemorations for victims of the 2024 and 2025 protests.

IRCK brings together the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Council of Churches of Kenya, the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, the National Muslim Leaders Forum, the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Shia Ithnasharia Muslim Association and the Hindu Council of Kenya.

The council recalled the June 2024 nationwide anti-government protests, which it said shook the country and left many families grieving.

Citing figures from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the religious leaders said at least 60 people were killed, more than 80 abducted and many others injured or left missing following the protests.

They also remembered victims of the June 25, 2025 anniversary demonstrations, when at least 16 people were reportedly killed.

IRCK said the recurring loss of life during demonstrations must end, adding that remembrance should be accompanied by concrete action to prevent similar tragedies.

The council renewed calls for a credible, independent and transparent inquiry into all deaths, injuries and disappearances linked to demonstrations since June 2024.

It said affected families deserve truth, justice and closure, and urged relevant institutions to ensure those responsible are held to account.

The religious leaders said accountability would be central to restoring public confidence in the rule of law and state institutions.

While welcoming the government’s commitment to compensate affected families, IRCK said the process must be handled swiftly, transparently and with dignity for victims and survivors.

The council also urged the National Police Service to protect citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly under Article 37 of the Constitution.

The faith leaders further called for genuine national dialogue involving the government, young people, civil society, the private sector and religious communities.

They said concerns raised by Kenyan youth during the 2024 protests, including governance, accountability and economic hardship, should be addressed through meaningful engagement rather than confrontation.

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