KENYA: Catholic Bishops Appeal to Government for Humanitarian Aid to People Affected by Floods and Landslides
Bishop John Oballa Owaa, Chairman of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) of KCCB
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Following disastrous floods and landslides caused by unpredicted heavy rains in parts of Kenya where over 400 households have been hit hard by the catastrophe, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) through Justice and Peace Commission have appealed to government and well-wishers for humanitarian aid to those affected especially at this time when the country is also battling COVID-19.
“We commend the government’s multi-agency team, led by officers from the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of national government, for their speedy response and intervention in the Elgeyo Marakwet incidence,” reads part of a statement signed by Chairman of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) of KCCB, Bishop John Oballa Owaa.
“We, however, call on the two levels of government to immediately allocate adequate resources to address the immediate needs of the affected population. This is important, especially during this period of Covid-19 pandemic, as those rendered homeless become even more vulnerable,” the Bishops through CJPC implored in the statement dated Thursday, April 23.
The bishops added, “We call on fellow Kenyans to come forward and provide any form of support they can so that our affected brothers and sisters may return to normal life.”
In the statement the Church leaders have commiserated with the affected families from Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Bungoma, Homabay and Kisumu Counties who have lost their loved ones, while many others are displaced and some have lost significant material property adding that even “service facilities such as hospitals, Churches, care homes and schools have either been swept away or badly damaged by the raging waters.”
The prelates further called for solidarity especially at such times of need and appreciated moments when Kenyans have always cared for each other saying, “It is in difficult times like this we come together as brothers and sisters of the same God to show love, care and solidarity with one another.”
Speaking about being alert and vigilant to such incidences the bishops said, “We urge the public to always follow early warning signs and directives to avert loss of lives and properties” adding, “Security starts with an individual and the community.”
Sharing his experience on the extent of damage caused by floods in his parish situated in Kenya’s Kisumu Archdiocese, Kisumu County, Fr. Shadrack Malo during an interview with Caritas Kisumu said, “It is very tough. Some of our parishioners have been displaced; even those who are not Catholics but stay within the parish have also been displaced.”
Fr. Malo, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ahero further disclosed in a video clip posted in YouTube, “With the issue of COVID-19, it might not be very easy because…observing safety measures (of COVID-19) and people are searching for food and security safety is a bit difficult.”
