Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) is under fire after claims that their Valley Road church turned away peaceful protesters seeking shelter during the June 25 nationwide protests.
The protests were to honor those who lost their lives during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill chaos and while many took to the streets, some areas in Nairobi went haywire with reports of police using teargas and live bullets to disperse crowds.
As tensions escalated, social media users told demonstrators to run to CITAM Valley Road, a church with huge grounds in the heart of the city. But disappointment followed when allegations emerged that some protesters were turned away.
In a statement on Thursday, CITAM denied the claims, saying a review of security logs and CCTV footage showed no one tried to seek refuge at the church that day.
“We received calls from people asking for help and we directed them to CITAM Valley Road. We were ready for them until 1:30 a.m. but no one showed up,” the church said.
CITAM also said that the area was mostly hard to get to with blocked roads, making it almost not possible for marchers to make it there.
Reacting to the pushback, CITAM restated its strong push for social rights, peace, and helping others. The church showed it had helped in past big troubles, like the Embakasi fire, Mai Mahiu floods, and drought help plans.
“As a church, we remain committed to being salt and light in the nation (Matthew 5:13-16), guided by the teachings and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ,” the note said.
The church concluded by backing the right to peaceful march and urged Kenyans to keep pushing for togetherness, fairness, and peace through tough times.
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