KENYA: Religious Leaders in Kenya Call for Collaboration in Rebuilding Society as Covid-19 Wanes
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Days after the government of Kenya lifted the mandatory wearing of masks as a measure to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country, members of the Interfaith Council for National Response to Coronavirus Pandemic have urged citizens to collaborate in rebuilding the society which has been heavily impacted during the pandemic.
In their March 14, 2022 statement, members of the body that was created in 2020 by President Uhuru Kenyatta to oversee the resumption of public worship in the country, appreciated the decline in the spread of Covid-19 virus and noted in their observation that Kenyans “Can now operate in a more relaxed environment.”
“We sincerely thank all the Religious leaders who have relentlessly abided by the guidelines in the places of worship, and taken the front line in educating and encouraging the citizens on the need to live up to the various guidelines, both in our places of worship and in public,” The council members expressed.
The Interfaith Council which comprises of 16 members from various faith institutions highlighted that the pandemic has heavily impacted various sectors in the country hence their appeal for collaboration from citizens, asking them to “continue praying that God may help us make our contribution towards rebuilding our expressions of faith, and sustaining our society in all areas.”
In the statement signed by the body’s Chairman, Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri Archdiocese, the body urged Kenyans in the spirit of collaboration “to be attentive and to come to the aid of many families affected seriously by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“We single out especially the Covid orphans and widows,” reads part of the Monday message as they add that together with the Government, “We should seek ways of mitigating their (Orphans and widows) strife through some means of support.”
Considering that the pandemic is waning, the Council whose operation was to end in December 31, 2020, and was further extended by the government, has therefore welcomed phase four which is the last phase on resumption of public worship advising that the places of worship can resume the full capacity .
Additionally, they lifted the time limits for services allowing the elderly and vulnerable to attend the worship and also allowed full attendance of funerals and weddings.
Even though Covid-19 situation is declining, the Religious leaders said: “We still warn that the pandemic is not yet over. The danger still hangs, even as it seems to wane in its infectious spread. We must not lower our guard.”
“We continue to be concerned about the political gatherings that have totally ignored any measures of protection, and the manner of crises crossing of our Nation. This still remains the greatest danger and risk in case of any new outbreak,” they expressed, urging “the political leaders to at least put in place some measures of protection, of avoiding hand-shaking and ensure sanitization.”
They further asked Kenyans to continue observing Covid-19 guidelines and avoid any physical contacts like shaking hands and sharing items in the service and at the same time to continue wearing masks in the places of worship.
In conclusion, they encouraged uptake of vaccine, advising Kenyan’s that “this (the jab) will strengthen our resistance for any eventual wave, and keep us operating normally.”
“Our vaccination drive has now reached 7.7 million fully vaccinated with 16.9 million having received the first dose and accounting for 28% adults now vaccinated,” they said.
