CITAM Valley Road Church is facing public backlash after claims emerged that it denied entry to peaceful protesters seeking refuge during the chaos that unfolded in Nairobi’s Central Business District on the night of June 25, 2025.
As tear gas filled the streets and darkness fell, hundreds of protesters—many of them young students and women—were left stranded, scared, and unsure of where to go.
Eyewitnesses say several of them ran toward nearby buildings, hoping for safety and shelter. One of the closest buildings was CITAM Valley Road Church.
However, some protesters now allege that the church gates remained shut and guards turned them away.
“We were crying and begging. We were not criminals. We just needed a place to breathe and be safe,” said Mercy, a university student who joined the protests peacefully.
The claims have ignited an emotional conversation online, with many questioning the role of the church in times of need. “Is this what Jesus would do?” one user asked on social media.
CITAM leadership has yet to issue an official statement, but the silence has only deepened the pain for those who felt abandoned in their hour of desperation.
Despite the hurt, many Kenyans are choosing hope. A group of volunteers has already launched an initiative to create safe spaces in churches and mosques for future events.
“We cannot let our youth feel alone again. The church must be a place of refuge,” said Pastor Michael Odhiambo, who has opened his own church doors to the public.
As emotions run high, Kenyans are praying not just for safety but for compassion. The wounds of June 25 may take time to heal, but unity and love remain the foundation for healing.
By Kenyans