Published on: 16 August 2024 01:43 (EAT)
Archbishop Hubertus van Megen
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has written a letter to the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi protesting against the comments made by Archbishop Hubertus van Megen in connection with the anti-government protests that have shaken the country over the past two months.
The Apostolic Nunciature, also known as the Embassy of the Holy See, is the diplomatic representation of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope with headquarters in Vatican City.
In the letter, the ministry cited the archbishop’s remarks, claiming they were one-sided and made at a time when the country was experiencing a national crisis.
“Young people turned over the tables in the streets, turned over the tables in parliament, turned over the tables of the money changers and wanted to clean the temple of democracy,” the archbishop was quoted as saying on June 29, 2024.
“Young people on the street wanted to get Zacchaeus out of the tree, wanted to get Peter to confess his betrayal. In these days we have experienced a revolution in Nairobi. After that, politics in this country will have to change.”
In his speech, the archbishop also addressed police brutality during the protests. He said: “Oppressors against the oppressed, heavily armed security forces against poorly protected protesters, water cannons, tear gas, live ammunition against sticks and stones, explosions against the cries and emotions of the protesters, the state apparatus that shoots at will.”
The Foreign Ministry described the comments as undiplomatic and inflammatory.
“Without pointing out the broader context of the government’s actions as a responsible diplomat, the Nuncio used his high position to insult the government of Kenya and its institutions. We consider this behavior reprehensible and unworthy of a respected member of the diplomatic corps,” the ministry said in the letter.
Over the past two months, the protests have attracted international attention. Foreign countries have called on the government to protect the rights of the peacefully demonstrating people.
“The Embassy calls on police to exercise restraint and protect people’s right to peaceful demonstrations. We urge provocateurs and opportunists to refrain from blocking streets and looting stores. All actors – police and protesters alike – should reject violence and be held accountable for wrongdoing,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement on July 18, 2024.
