KENYA: Bishop of Nakuru calls for special Contribution for Solai Dam Victims
Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia, Bishop of Nakuru
The Bishop of Nakuru, Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba has called on all the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru drawn for the 50 parishes across the diocese and other well-wishers to generously contribute to help the Solai Dam victims as they come to terms with tragedy that has left at least 45 people dead, and over 100 others homeless and devastated.
Bishop Muhatia made this special appeal during the celebrations to mark the World Communications day in the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru on 12th, May 2018. “I personally went there and saw the destruction caused by the dam where many people lost their lives and properties destroyed. I appeal to you all to give a special contribution from 13th, May 2018, to the Sunday of Pentecost, which will be on 20th, May 2018. This can be in form of finances, food, clothing, blankets and in any other way that you can to help the Victims,” said the Bishop.
In a report dated, 11th, May, 2018, sent to Caritas office in Nakuru by the Member of the County Assembly of Kabazi, Solai, Dr. Peter Mbae, all the missing persons have been accounted for.
Dr. Mbae appealed for contribution for basic items that includes; warm clothes both for children and adults, unisex shoes, powder milk for kids, sanitary towels, tissue papers, medicated soaps and detergents, bathing basins utensils and building materials.
Bishop Muhatia said that the Caritas office will coordinate this activity to ensure whatever is contributed from the 50 parishes benefits the Victims. He prayed to the Lord to give the victims comfort during this difficult moment and to rest the souls of those who died following the tragedy in peace.
The Bishop also asked members of the public to cease sharing photos of dead bodies of Solai victims as they are causing more harm and pain to their loved ones. “How does it help by sharing photos of nude bodies of children and adults? He asked, calling on all people to respect the dignity of a human person and instead start giving a positive image of what is being done on the ground.
Bishop Muhatia, appealed to the faithful to pray for Mansukul Patel the owner of the Solai Dam. “ He May be suffering from the tragedy, he needs our prayers said the Bishop adding that it is easy for everyone to blame him and forget that previously he helped the people of Solai.
Let us ask God to open our hearts that instead of always looking at the negatives in the society, that we may also see the good that other people do.
The destruction which occurred on the night of Wednesday,9th, May 2018, swept away Cars, buildings, electric poles, crops and trees leaving the area completely deserted.
So far five schools affected have been closed. In his report, Dr.Mbae indicates that two schools have been directly affected by the floods and the other three, many pupils who lost their parents and family members have been affected hence hindering learning. He added that plans are underway to compensate members who lost their property during the tragedy. “All the affected persons have been profiled and registered in order to get compensation for losses incurred,” said the area MCA in his report.
At the same time the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) expressed deep sadness over the tragedy that has caused destruction of land and properties and left many people dead and others untraceable.
“In these painful circumstances, I wish to express the solidarity and prayers of the Catholic Church in Kenya and our sincerest condolences to the relatives of the victims and to all those who are suffering the consequences of these many catastrophes. Our sympathy goes to you and to the people of Kenya,” read the statement,” signed by the Vice Chairman of Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and Chairman KCCB-Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, Rt. Rev. John Oballa Owaa .
Bishop Obala commended the good work being done by the disaster recovery teams on the ground. He called upon responsible institutions and authorities to always ensure safety of citizens by making sure that prescribed standards are adhered to and with no compromise at all times.
“We humbly request both national and county governments to step up their initiatives in responding to such tragedies.”
The bishop called upon all Kenyans and other people of goodwill to come out and help their brothers and sisters who are in need of help.
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By Catholic Mirror, KCCB
