The Ufungamano Joint Forum of Religious Organisations (U-JFRO) has raised the alarm over what it terms a deepening social, political, and economic crisis in Kenya, urging the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to spearhead a National Convention to rescue the country from impending collapse.
In a press briefing on July 17, 2025, U-JFRO called for political sobriety and restraint following recent waves of deadly demonstrations across the country.
“The country is on the edge of a precipice. Parliament and the Executive must listen to the people and refrain from making inflammatory statements,” the forum warned, while urging security agencies to operate within constitutional limits.
The forum proposed a National Convention to be convened by the LSK, religious leaders, civil society, professional bodies, and the business community. The convention would address governance challenges, runaway corruption, worsening economic conditions, over-taxation, moral decay, and growing public disillusionment.
Citing the tragic events of June 25 and July 7, which left scores of Gen Z protesters dead or injured, U-JFRO condemned police brutality and arbitrary arrests.
It demanded the immediate release of detained protesters and compensation for affected families.
The forum reminded the government that the right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in Articles 33 and 37 of the Constitution and stressed that the police, under Article 244, are mandated to protect life and property, not to suppress legitimate dissent.
On constitutional amendments, U-JFRO voiced strong opposition to the recent passage of a bill entrenching the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) into the Constitution.
It criticised the move as unconstitutional, citing past judicial rulings that declared the fund unlawful.
The forum urged the Senate to reject the bill and called on the LSK to petition the High Court to annul the amendments for violating Articles 19, 255, 256, and 257 of the Constitution.
U-JFRO also expressed concern over President William Ruto’s reported plans to build a church within State House, terming the move unconstitutional and discriminatory.
“State House is a national institution that must reflect religious neutrality,” the forum said, warning that the plan risks alienating non-Christian citizens and misusing public resources for sectarian interests.
While calling for an immediate halt to further protests to allow room for peace and national dialogue, U-JFRO appealed to religious leaders and places of worship to dedicate time for national prayer. It emphasised the need for spiritual intercession during what it described as “a defining moment in Kenya’s history.”
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to a united, just, and peaceful Kenya, anchored on its five core values: faith in God, righteousness, transparency, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
