By Paschal Norbert
NAIROBI, JUNE 19, 2025 (CISA) – Most Rev Philip Anyolo, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Nairobi, has issued a blistering statement condemning the resurgence of police brutality in Kenya, following the shocking shooting of hawker Boniface Kariuki during an anti-police protest along Moi Avenue. The incident, which has reignited national outrage reminiscent of the June 25, 2024, protests, unfolded in the heart of Nairobi and has now drawn sharp rebuke from the Catholic Church and civil society.
Boniface Kariuki, a street vendor from Makadara, was gunned down at close range by a masked police officer while selling face masks near the National Archives. The attack occurred during protests triggered by the death of Albert Ojwang’, a teacher and blogger who died in police custody under suspicious circumstances. A chilling video showing two armed officers confronting Kariuki before one fired the fatal shot went viral, sparking fury across the country. Blood-soaked pavement and scattered face masks told the story of another life lost to state violence.
“We are particularly distressed by two grave incidents: the point-blank shooting of an unarmed and seemingly innocent citizen, and the unchecked operations of violent groups, armed with poles, who were seen robbing, assaulting citizens, and destroying property and businesses without intervention from the security agencies,” said Archbishop Anyolo in his June 18 statement.
Kenya is once again walking a familiar, tragic path. Last year’s June 25, 2024 protests paralyzed the country as thousands took to the streets to demand government accountability, economic reform, and justice for victims of police killings. Then, too, it was the youth, informal workers, and digital activists who led the charge, galvanized by images of brutality and the silence of the powerful.
A Nationwide Call to Prayer and Peace
Archbishop Philip Anyolo also issued a heartfelt appeal to Catholics in the Archdiocese of Nairobi and all people of goodwill, urging them to participate in a 14-day Marathon of the Rosary. This prayer initiative, he emphasized, is aimed at invoking divine intervention for peace, justice, and healing in the country.
The Archbishop outlined four key intentions: the respect for the dignity of every human life, the restoration of law and order in Nairobi and across Kenya, the repose of the souls of those killed and comfort for grieving families, and divine guidance for national leaders burdened with the task of governance.
“Let us earnestly invoke God’s mercy upon our nation,” the Archbishop pleaded.
Archbishop Anyolo also called upon all priests in the Archdiocese to celebrate Holy Masses for peace and justice, beginning immediately and especially on Sunday, June 22, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.
In addition to the Sunday Masses, priests are specifically asked to celebrate the Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice on the following ferial days: Thursday, June 19; Friday, June 20; Monday, June 23; and Wednesday, June 25, a symbolic echo of the 2024 protest anniversary. These Masses, to be celebrated as found from pages 1113 to 1115 of the Roman Missal (Misale ya Kiroma), are to be offered with the intention of safeguarding the nation’s fragile peace and social fabric.
“Let us entrust our city of Nairobi, and indeed our entire nation, to our Eucharistic Lord,” Archbishop Anyolo urged.
