In a series of unprecedented statements issued this February, bishops across the continent have moved from offering “thoughts and prayers” to demanding forensic probes and state accountability.
1. Kenya: The Battle for the Sanctity of the Altar
On February 13, 2026, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) launched their annual Lenten Campaign in Lodwar. However, the tone was far from celebratory. Led by Chairman Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba, the bishops addressed a “disturbing and heinous” trend: the use of police force within church walls.
The Violation of Article 32
The bishops pointed specifically to an incident in Nyeri County where police officers allegedly lobbed teargas canisters at worshippers—including children and the elderly—during a Sunday service.
The Legal Stand: The KCCB cited Article 32 of the Constitution, which protects the right to worship.
The Demand: They have demanded that the Inspector General of Police conduct a thorough probe to identify the “hired goons” and the specific officers who authorized the use of chemical agents in a semi-enclosed, poorly ventilated sacred space.
2. Nigeria: “The Cry of the Innocent”
While Kenya deals with state-sanctioned force, Nigeria is grappling with what the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has labeled a “slaughterhouse.” On February 7, 2026, the CSN released a statement titled “The Cry of the Innocent: Stop this Slaughterhouse in Nigeria!”
A Field of Grief
The Nigerian bishops are no longer mincing words. They highlighted the coordinated attack in Woro, Kwara State, where over 160 civilians were killed outside of a war zone.
Targeting the Clergy: The abduction of Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye from his residence in Karku on February 7 is seen as a direct attack on the Church’s ability to serve.
The Demand for Transparency: The bishops are demanding the government “identify, expose, and prosecute” the sponsors of terror, arguing that silence from the state is a form of complicity.
3. Sierra Leone: “Enough is Enough”
In Freetown, the Catholic hierarchy has also reached a breaking point. Following the assault on Fr. James Joshua Jamiru in January 2026 and the murder of Fr. Augustine Dauda Amadu late last year, the bishops have declared a state of “unwavering solidarity” with traumatized clergy.
Looting of Missions: The bishops noted that attackers aren’t just seeking lives; they are systematically looting mission properties—laptops, equipment, and cash—that are meant for the service of the poor.
The Request: They have requested the deployment of permanent security posts near remote mission stations.
