KENYA: “Your Aspirations are Valid,” Catholic Bishops to Generation Z at Forefront in Anti-Government Protest
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
After reflection on the Generation Z (Gen Z)-led protests in Kenya, triggered by the government’s proposed Financial Bill 2024 aimed to raise revenue through additional taxes amidst the already high cost of living, members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) have highlighted that the aspirations for the GenZs are valid.
In their message to the Gen-Zs which is the demographic cohort of those born between 1995 and 2006, in a statement signed by the chairman of the conference Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba on Saturday, June 29, the Church leaders point out that the step taken by the young Kenyan youth is a sign of their commitment and love for the country to see that social justice is administered to all.
“Your clamor shows your concern for our country, for the lives of others, and for social justice. Our families would be the first beneficiaries of better governance and economy. For this, we wish to encourage you that your aspirations are valid,” the bishops’ collective message reads in part as they laud the collaboration and unity of the GenZs which is “beyond tribe or social class a sign of true care and love.”
In their Saturday collective statement, the prelates noted that the young generation is the hope of the country hence the need for them to have morals and values.
“You, the young people, are our hope… we hope you will hold up the good values of our faith and morals as we go forward more so in your action,” the Church leaders said reminding the Gen Z’s to demonstrate higher standards and actions “where the current generation may be failing.”
Kenya’s bishops promised to journey with the young generation to build their dreams and “increase their commitment to good causes.”
“We send you this message as an assurance that we wish to accompany you as we all need one another. We promise to double our efforts to promote peace, love, unity, and justice for all Kenyans,” they narrated.
Since the Finance Bill 2024 was not favourable to most Kenyans the Bishops said, “You opposed it with passion because it would hurt everyone, including yourselves. We thank God it is now in the stage of reversal as it is sent back to Parliament. We believe it will not be enacted.”
They continued, “We must also commit to working hard to improve our country’s economy. We shall support you where we can, to get worthy employment opportunities, and in your civic pursuit through constructive dialogues amongst yourselves and others in society.”
The Church leaders further assured the GenZs that they are ready to listen and that their doors are open for guidance and mentorship saying, “We desire that each one of you grows to be the best that our God intends for each one of you. Your hopes are our hopes.”
Following the protest that has led to the loss of lives for many youths and others seriously injured, the bishops have acknowledged that the young citizens suffered for the good of the country.
“The message of the protests by Gen Z brought many concerns and also tears as we watched many young people suffer. You feel aggrieved and forgotten, and let down in your aspirations,” they expressed the situation of the GenZs during the protests adding, “Some even feel that the Church may have failed them at times.”
They condoled with the many families who lost their loved ones over the past weeks noting that, “Many young people have lost their lives in the protests and many were injured. We feel really sad and wish to console you all as we pray for these our brothers and sisters.”
They also condemn the brutal and inhuman police acts saying their acts cannot be justified and affirmed, “The concerns raised by Gen Z remain genuine in our eyes. We share your cry due to unemployment, lack of school fees for many families failed promises, and a seemingly bleak future. No doubt the Finance Bill would have brought still more suffering.”
