Statement by Mt. Kenya Network Forum (MKNF) on the Attack During the 2026/2027 Budget Public Participation Forum at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi

Mt. Kenya Network Forum (MKNF) strongly condemns the violent attack and disruption of the post-budget public participation forum held at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, on 13th June 2026.

We are deeply disturbed by reports that organized groups forcefully invaded a peaceful civic engagement forum, assaulted participants, destroyed materials, and sought to intimidate citizens and civil society organizations exercising their constitutional rights.

Public participation is a cornerstone of Kenya's democracy. The Constitution of Kenya guarantees every citizen the right to access information, participate in governance processes, express opinions freely, and engage peacefully in matters affecting public policy and national development. Any attempt to silence, intimidate, or attack citizens and organizations participating in such processes is an attack on the Constitution itself.

We stand in solidarity with the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), civil society organizations, human rights defenders, faith-based institutions, and all individuals who were affected by this unfortunate incident. We are particularly concerned that a sacred place of worship and dialogue was violated in a manner that undermines both democratic values and societal respect for institutions that promote peace and justice.

As Kenya approaches the next electoral cycle, incidents of violence, intimidation, and shrinking civic space must not be normalized. The country has made significant democratic gains through citizen participation, accountability, and open dialogue, and these gains must be protected.

We therefore call upon:

• The National Police Service and the Inspector General of Police to conduct swift, independent, and transparent investigations into the attack and ensure all perpetrators, financiers, organizers, and sponsors are held accountable in accordance with the law.
• The Government of Kenya to publicly reaffirm its commitment to protecting civic space, constitutional freedoms, and the rights of citizens to participate in governance processes without fear or intimidation.
• Political leaders and public officials to refrain from actions, statements, or conduct that may encourage violence, intolerance, or attacks against civil society, faith-based organizations, and human rights defenders.
• Development partners, democratic institutions, and the international community to continue supporting efforts aimed at strengthening civic participation, accountability, human rights, and peaceful democratic engagement in Kenya.
• Civil society organizations, faith communities, youth groups, women-led movements, and citizens across the country to remain united, peaceful, and committed to defending constitutional values and democratic participation.

Mt. Kenya Network Forum remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, environmental justice, human rights, peaceful civic engagement, and meaningful public participation across Kenya.

Violence can never replace dialogue. Intimidation can never replace public participation. Democracy can only thrive when citizens are free to speak, organize, and participate without fear.

"Protecting civic space is protecting democracy."