The Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) has responded to mounting public criticism following allegations that its Valley Road church denied entry to peaceable protesters searching for refuge in the course of the June 25 nationwide demonstrations.
The protests-held on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the lethal 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests-turned chaotic in a number of components of Nairobi as police fired teargas and reside rounds at demonstrators.
With messages circulating on social media urging protestors to hunt shelter at CITAM Valley Road because of its central location and spacious premises, disappointment adopted as experiences emerged that youth have been allegedly turned away on the gates.
CITAM responds
In a press release launched Thursday, CITAM denied the claims, saying a evaluation of safety information and surveillance footage confirmed “no proof that any particular person approached the premises searching for refuge on the stated date, sustaining that no particular person was denied entry.”
“We obtained calls by individuals who wished assist, and we directed them to CITAM Valley Road. We have been prepared for them, all through till 1:30am, and nobody got here for assist,” learn a part of the assertion.
“CITAM Valley Road was not simply accessible in the course of the protests as surrounding roads have been barricaded, which made it nearly inconceivable for a demonstrator to get to CITAM Valley Road.”
The church additionally reaffirmed its dedication to social justice, peace, and humanitarian assist.
The management pointed to the church’s longstanding document of aiding susceptible communities throughout nationwide disasters, together with the Embakasi fireplace, the Mai Mahiu flood tragedy, and drought reduction initiatives.
“As a church, we stay dedicated to being salt and lightweight within the nation (Matthew 5:13-16), guided by the teachings and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ,” the assertion added.
The church concluded by reiterating its assist for the constitutional proper to peaceable protest and referred to as for continued unity and justice in Kenya.
Church underneath fireplace
The response comes after a wave of public backlash on social media, the place customers criticized CITAM Valley Road for allegedly failing to shelter younger demonstrators caught in violent confrontations with police in the course of the June 25 memorial protests.
Amid escalating clashes in Nairobi’s metropolis centre, on-line messages urged these in peril to hunt refuge at close by church buildings, together with CITAM, which is positioned alongside Valley Road.
The church, recognized for its massive compound and visibility, was considered by many as a possible sanctuary as police fired tear gasoline and reside ammunition to disperse crowds.
Several demonstrators and commentators expressed disappointment when experiences surfaced that protestors have been turned away from the church, prompting CITAM to subject a clarification.
The June 25 protests have been held to commemorate the youth-led demonstrations of 2024 in opposition to the Finance Bill, which resulted in tragedy.
According to Amnesty Kenya, not less than 16 folks have been killed throughout this yr’s memorial protests, and dozens extra injured.
