KENYA: Catholic Bishops Launch Reconciliation Initiative Amidst North Rift Crisis
Bishop Henry Juma Odonya of Kitale Diocese
By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
A section of bishops under the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a reconciliation peace initiative to sustain lasting peace in the troubled North Rift region which has been hit by security challenges.
In their September 27th statement shared with AMECEA Online, the prelates have called upon all the stakeholders to hold hands together so that they move forward to a lasting solution to the challenges of peace in the region.
“We are very much aware of the challenges that our people in this region are going through and it is for this reason that we call upon all the stakeholders; the communities, the politicians, the elders, security agencies, the religious leaders, NGO’s, the Church and indeed all people of goodwill to hold hands together so that we move forward to lasting solution to the challenges of peace in this region,” reads part of the statement read by Bishop Henry Juma Odonya of Kitale Diocese.
In a meeting that was attended by different communities and government officials, the bishops underscored that it is time to start serious efforts to respond to the crisis of violence, injustices, cattle rustling, destruction of properties, economic marginalization, and exclusion of their communities.
They further added that for achievement of lasting gains in peace and human development, there is need to re-dedicate the vision of mutual partnership among all stakeholders to foster a peaceful, just, and inclusive society.
Additionally, members of KCCB said, “there is a need to prioritize the meaningful inclusion and public participation of all groups including youths, and local communities, leaders both political and religious are vital to our peace and development efforts.”
