VATICAN: Pray for Victims of Floods in Kenya, Appeals Pope Francis

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

During his Wednesday general audience on May 1, the Holy Father has called on the faithful across the globe to pray for the East African country Kenya where rains are wreaking havoc in various parts of the country.

“I wish to express to the people of Kenya my spiritual closeness at this time as severe flooding has tragically taken the lives of many of our brothers and sisters, injured others, and caused widespread destruction,” Pope Francis said in his special greetings after the catechesis session with the audience.

He added, “I invite you to pray for all those affected by this natural disaster. Even amidst adversity, we remember the joy of the risen Christ, and I invoke upon you and your families the loving mercy of God our Father.”

Kenya has been experiencing relentless downpours in recent weeks with the heavy rains causing floods where thousands of people have been affected in various ways resulting in loss of livelihoods, destruction of businesses, displacements, and damage to schools and roads among others.

In their recent statement dated Tuesday, April 30, members of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) who are the religious leaders drawn from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) expressed their concern towards the ongoing floods and invited the people of God to support the affected families.

“The delegates in this National Dialogue Conference are deeply saddened by the deaths of more than 200 Kenyans occasioned by the ongoing rains and floods. The lives of hundreds of thousands of Kenyans have been destroyed,” reads a section of the statement as Religious leaders continue, “We mourn with all the bereaved. We continue to pray for all the affected families for quick recovery.”

The Religious leaders promised to rally support to the affected victims saying, “We are also mobilizing worshippers in our congregations to collect relief materials to share with the affected families.” Besides, “Our places of worship across the country are open at all times to house and support all who have been displaced,” they said after their two-day conference at Ufungamano House in Kenya’s capital Nairobi.

On their part, while encouraging Kenyans on their resilience, members of the KCCB after their plenary assembly last month appreciated citizens for their sturdiness and promised to always journey together with the people.

“The resilience of Kenyans to withstand adversities ranging from the cost of living, weather conditions, or sickness, has always stood out. This Hope and positive attitude largely come from our faith in God,” the Bishops said and concluded, “The Church will always walk with you.”