‘Nobody came to Valley Road,’ CITAM dismisses claims of turning away stranded protesters

Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) Valley Road Church has denied claims that it turned away demonstrators seeking refuge during the June 25 protests, saying no individual showed up at the church premises.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Senior Pastor Reverend Jesse Mwai refuted social media reports suggesting the church failed to shelter protestors during Wednesday’s demos that were held in memory of those killed during last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

He explained that despite being ready to assist, no one presented themselves at the church, which is located within a high-security zone.

Pastor Mwai noted that the Church caretaker manned the gate until late in the night, waiting for any individuals in need.

“Our deputy bishop at some point did receive a call from people who wanted help, and he gave instructions and directions to our caretaker, who was on the ground and who stays here, that anybody who needs refuge… they can be given access,” said Rev. Mwai.

“CITAM Valley Road is situated in a security zone because we are just opposite the Department of Defence. The barricades by the police around the area of the church—around DoD and State House—made it very difficult for anybody to access Valley Road, more so, the demonstrators.”

He added, “Our caretaker stayed on at the gate until 1:30 am, waiting for anybody who may need help, and nobody came. After that, he went to sleep.”

Mwai further noted that the church had since reviewed CCTV footage and interviewed on-site staff and confirmed that no protester came and was denied entry.

“This morning, with all this barrage of attacks that we have received, personally as a senior pastor, we have interviewed people, my team has gone through the CCTV footage and nobody came to Valley Road yesterday, day or night, and was turned away,” he said, adding, “If there is such a person, if you came and were turned away, please come and talk to us.”

Rev. Mwai reiterated the church’s commitment to supporting the vulnerable and dismissed any suggestions of discrimination.

“We, as CITAM, are firm in our policy of embracing the vulnerable, the needy in society, and so we don’t shut our doors to anybody, whether a member or not," he said.

A statement by Deputy Bishop Rev. Justus Mugambi echoed the same position, stating that based on security reports and CCTV review, there was “no evidence that any person approached the premises seeking refuge on the said date.”

The church confirmed it had responded to calls for help by directing individuals to the premises, but none arrived.

“We received calls from people who wanted help, and we directed them to CITAM Valley Road. We were ready for them, throughout until 1:30 am, and no one came for help,” the statement read.

The church reaffirmed its longstanding humanitarian role, citing past responses to national disasters and affirming its mandate to support those in distress, while at the same time reiterating its commitment to stand with Kenyans.

“We have our track record in humanitarian and disaster response… It is within our mandate, policy, and practice to embrace the vulnerable and needy in society,” CITAM noted.

“We stand with all Kenyans for truth, justice, and unity as we work toward a more just and peaceful society.”