Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - While Kenya awaits the arrival of former UN secretary general Kenya Kofi Annan, charged by the African Union to head a delegation to mediate the political crisis, clashes continue between the police and supporters of opposition leader Raila Odinga. Today at least 6 people were killed in the western area of Rift Valley.
In Nairobi, police used tear gas to disperse supporters of Presidente Mwai Kibaki who has prohibited street demonstrations of any kind, so also those of his own supporters.
Besides Annan, Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni is also expected in Kenya to attempt mediation. Uganda is receiving thousands of Kenyans fleeing violence and feels the impact of trade blocks on goods from the Kenyan port of Mombasa (see Fides 9/1/2008). The African Union has intervened again after a first attempt by rotating president Ghana's president, John Kufuor. The AU council of peace and security condemned violation of basic human rights over the past weeks in Kenya and demanded a thorough investigation.
The violence has caused the death of people and displaced some 250,000 more. Caritas Kenya says people have been forced to leave homes and villages in 19 different areas: Nairobi Province - Kibera, Kawangware, Dandora, Mathare, Korogocho, Dagoretti; Nyanza Province - Kisumu and surrounding area, Migori , Kisii and Nyando; Western Province - Busia, Butere-Mumias, Bungoma and Webuye; • Rift Valley Province - Nakuru, Eldoret, Narok, Kericho, Sotik, Kuresoi, Burnt Forest, Trans Nzoia e West Pokot; • Coast Province - Mombasa, Mtongwe, Changamwe; • Eastern Province - Meru e Nkubu; North Eastern Province - Mandera Rhamu. Most of them are sheltering in parishes and schools, police stations and shopping centres.
In cooperation with local and international partners, Caritas Kenya is assessing needs in view of a programme of assistance for displaced persons all over the country. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 22/1/2008 righe 27 parole 343)
