“Marathon of rosaries”: Kenya’s Nairobi Archdiocese Initiates Prayers for Respect of Human Life after Violent Protests

Albert Ojwang's passing on sparked protests after doctors contradicted Kenyan police claims that the late, 31, had succumbed to self-inflicted injuries caused by hitting his head on a wall in his cell. The autopsy revealed that Albert Ojwang’s death was likely the result of physical assault.

The late Kenyan teacher and blogger had been arrested following a complaint by Kenya’s Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Eliud Lagat, that Albert Ojwang had tarnished his name in a social media post. The DIG has since yielded to pressure and “stepped aside” to be subjected to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority’s (IPOA) investigations.  

Announcing the spiritual initiative accompanied by his two Auxiliary Bishops and the ADN youth Chaplain, Fr. Victor Mbuthia, Archbishop Anyolo denounced the latest police brutality, saying, “We are saddened by the point-blank shooting of a non-violent citizen who seemed to be just an innocent Kenyan in the city.”

He also denounced the June 17 “free operation of groups of people, goons with the poles, robbing and beating up citizens, destroying properties and businesses in the eyes and without interference by security agencies.”

The leadership of ADN called upon the people of God in Kenya, especially youths, to “remain calm in the face of the current sufferings and to be responsible in their responses to the social injustices in the country.”

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Archbishop Anyolo urged Kenyans to place their trust in God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them in making the right decisions during challenging times, just as Jesus Christ did.

Pray for those “who have lost their lives, their families and their livelihoods,” the Local Ordinary of Nairobi since his installation in November 2021 appealed.

He also solicited prayers for “our leaders” for God to “touch their hearts and give them wisdom to realize the havoc they are causing to the country.”

Announcing the spiritual initiative on June 18, Archbishop Anyolo directed that at Holy Mass on June 22, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, celebrants “invoke God's mercy” upon Kenya.

Sabrine Amboka is a Kenyan journalist with a passion for Catholic church communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from St. Paul's University in Kenya.