Nairobi -- Church leaders in Kenya have censured civil society groups and opposition politicians for violence that has rocked the country over a constitutional review process, after the groups called people onto the streets for mass action last week. On 21 July the Kenyan parliament approved a draft constitution that had been criticised by some as leaving too much power in the hands of President Mwai Kibaki. Kenya has been gripped by three days of violent clashes between riot police and protesters outraged over the handling of constitutional reform. At least one person has been killed and scores injured in Nairobi.
Anglican Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi blamed protestors for the mayhem after the capital was enveloped in battles between riot police and demonstrators opposing amendments made to the draft constitution. It was drawn up by a national constitutional conference last year.
"Leaders should not incite ordinary people," Nzimbi told journalists. "Leaders are meeting and discussing the process. Kenyans will also have the chance to vote on the draft."
Police estimated that on 21 July traders lost millions of dollars worth of goods as hundreds of protesters attempted to storm parliament where debate on the draft constitution was taking place. Demonstrations also erupted in Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru.
Nzimbi's condemnation was reinforced by Roman Catholic Archbishop Ndingi Mwana a' Nzeki, who said: "I would personally be prepared to take part in peaceful demonstrations for a worthy cause," but added, "I strongly believe that storming parliament and any other of our institutions of governance is a manifestation of people who have lost their focus."
Ndingi accused the organizers of poor planning and ignoring the security of protestors. He noted Kenyans had in the past witnessed moments of "very mature" expression in demonstrations like when churches backed groups that in 2002 voted out the ruling Kenya African National Union after almost 40 years uninterrupted power.
"That is the path we would wish to follow," said Ndingi, also regretting excessive force used by police to break up the demonstrations. The protests resulted in 29 people being arrested and charged with offences ranging from taking part in an illegal demonstration to robbery with violence.
Addressing a media conference, the Rev. Mutava Musyimi general secretary of the National Christian Council of Kenya, who has been leading Ufungamano, a faith-based initiative in the review process, said the leaders had called for mass action and abandoned the people.
