KENYA: Catholic Bishops in Kenya appeal for intervention on drought situation
(From Left) Most Rev. Martin Kivuva, Archdiocese of Mombasa, Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo (KCCB Chairman) and Rt. Rev. Cornelius Korir, Bishop of Eldoret
Catholic Bishops of Kenya issued an urgent appeal to local, national, and international bodies as well as individuals to come and join hands in solidarity with the Church by contributing funds, food and non-food items to save lives of communities severely affected by the current drought which is ravaging Kenya.
Addressing the media at Waumini House in Nairobi on February, 7th 2017, the Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Rev. Philip Anyolo said, “We hasten to appeal to the Government to declare the current drought a national disaster in order to beckon the International Community to step forward and support the many Kenyans who are suffering from this predicament.”
Bishop Anyolo further said that they have been closely monitoring the current drought situation in the Country and reports from our Dioceses and Parishes indicated tales of suffering, desperation, hopelessness and in some cases imminent loss of lives.
The Bishops are also appealing to Christians and people of good will to join hands in solidarity with the Church by contributing funds, food and basic items to save lives of those affected.
Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo (KCCB Chairman) and
Rt. Rev. Cornelius Korir, Bishop of Eldoret
The KCCB Chairman who was accompanied by Caritas President, Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa, Bishop Cornelius Korir of Eldoret, Anthony Muheria of Kitui and Joseph Mbatia of Nyahururu said that the funds collected would help the Church respond to emergency situation through relief to assist the affected Communities through provision of urgent basic needs. He further clarified that, Caritas Kenya the Development and Humanitarian Arm of the Catholic Church, would coordinate these initiatives.
According government agency report, the number of Kenyans in need of relief food has risen to 2.7 million from 1.3 million last year. The most affected are nine arid counties namely: Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, Isiolo, Mandera, Garissa, Wajir and Baringo.
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By Rose Achiego Waumini Communication KCCB
