The All Saints Cathedral has criticised the National Police Service (NPS) for lobbing teargas on its premises in an attempt to disperse Kenyans protesting the Finance Bill 2024/25.

In a statement on X the church condemned the police's actions, requesting law enforcement agencies to respect the sanctity of religious institutions amidst the ongoing demos which turned chaotic on Tuesday as protestors stormed Parliament.

"It is unfortunate that the police have proceeded to lounge teargas into the All Saints Cathedral church compound in a bid to immobilize unarmed protestors," the church said.  

"We call on the police to exercise their duty within reason and respect neutral spaces like worship centres."

All Saints' statement comes just three days after The Holy Family Basilica issued a statement clarifying its decision to deny entry to protestors seeking refuge from the police during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations in Nairobi last week.

The Basilica found itself at the centre of a storm of criticism on social media following the incident, with Kenyans highlighting that while the church denied entry to protestors, Jamia Mosque provided them with shelter, food, and water during the protests.

The incident subsequently sparked a debate about the role of religious institutions in times of social unrest.