KENYA: “Uphold Sanctity of Life and Human Dignity,” Bishops Urge Warrying Counties
Bishop John Oballa Owaa, Chaiman Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, KCCB
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Following the recent ethnic clashes that has led to loss of lives in some parts of Kenya, the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) of Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has condemned the inhuman act, urging the warrying parties to respect human life.
“We are deeply concerned with continued insecurity and tensions in the counties of Narok and Marsabit which have led to loss of lives, displacement of people and destruction of properties,” reads in part a statement released by the KCCB on Friday, July 3.
“Sanctity of life and human dignity is a value to be upheld at all times. This has been reinforced by Article (26) of Kenya’s Constitution which clearly states that every person has a right to life.” the Bishops have stated in the statement signed by the Chairman of CJPC at KCCB, Bishop John Oballa Owaa.
The inter-communal warfare that has been rampant in the counties has led to systematic killings of twelve people including two university students, a secondary school student and a motorcyclist.
The bishops send condolences to families who lost their loved ones and express their concerned for the loss of innocent souls saying, “It is unfortunate that we keep losing lives including those of the young and innocent, due to ethnic, clan hatred, competition over resources and leadership wrangles,” the Bishops lamented.
They further appeal to Kenyan government to initiate “peace talks” to protect the people in the affected counties “from perennial ethnic conflicts and deaths”, and to the local administration to investigate and identify the perpetrators.
The Bishops note that “in this period of Coronavirus pandemic, Kenyans are confronted with myriad of challenges which range from joblessness, mental health, stigma and Gender Based Violence and our young people are not left behind. Kenyans who are already confined and suffering due to the pandemic, to again be subjected to uncalled for conflicts, killings and other forms of sufferings.”
