The church has drawn a line in the sand. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-27)Following the violent disruption of a service in Othaya, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has demanded an unreserved apology from the State, terming the police action "illegal, unconstitutional, and an attack on the body of Christ."

The ultimatum is directed at Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja. The clergy is furious over what they describe as a "disturbing pattern" of state-sanctioned desecration of places of worship.

Sanctuary Violated

The incident at Witima ACK Church, where teargas turned a Sunday service into a chaotic stampede, was the breaking point.The NCCK cited at least nine similar incidents since 2020 where police have stormed churches to disperse congregants.

• The Demand: An immediate apology and prosecution of the officers involved.
• The Scripture: Citing Psalm 11:4-5, the bishops warned that "the Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence."
• The Law: A violation of Article 32 of the Constitution guaranteeing freedom of worship.

"The intentional, unwarranted lobbing of tear gas at worshippers is morally indefensible," the NCCK statement read. "This trend must stop now."

Church vs. State?

As political temperatures rise, the church is once again finding itself in the crossfire. By demanding accountability, the clergy is signaling that the pulpit will not be silenced by the barrel of a teargas gun.