Religious leaders from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) are calling for the repeal of the Finance Act 2023 and an end to opposition protests that they say have led the country to ruin.
The church has challenged President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga to reconsider their hard position and embrace discussion as part of attempts to find a peaceful solution to the country's problems.
The leaders also announced intentions to hold a national dialogue while urging Kenyans to avoid incitement and violence.
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The resumption of anti-government protests has elicited diverse emotions across the country; while some see the rallies as a reflection of residents' unhappiness and frustration with high living costs and punishing taxes, others are particularly concerned about the fallout.
This includes billions of dollars in costs sustained by businesses that shuttered, property devastation, and the loss of 13 lives during Wednesday's riots.
According to KCCB Chairman Archbishop Martin Kivuva said that they have once again requested (to President Ruto) that your administration repeal the Finance Bill 2023 so that the heavy taxation burden it imposes on Kenyans can be reviewed and Maintain current tax levels will allow citizens to reclaim their livelihoods and create hope for the future.
The leaders also want Azimio leader Odinga to cancel his signature collection drive and protests immediately, calling the opposition's actions a prescription for disaster.
The clergy have challenged President Ruto and Odinga to reconsider their hard attitude and embrace discussion as part of attempts to restore peace and reconciliation.
The United Nations Human Rights Office, which has also expressed worry about the widespread violence, backed the demands for constructive dialogue.
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