AFRICA/KENYA - Catholic Bishops of Kenya express “full support” for Annan as mediator and ask for immediate cessation of violence

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides)- “It is not too late, however, for our leaders to change their ways and to talk to each other. This is not the time to pass the buck with regard to who is right or wrong. For this reason, we give full support to the meditation efforts of Mr. Kofi Annan and his team. We ask President Mwai Kibaki and Hon. Raila Odinga, to open minds and hearts and immediately enter into dialogue” the Bishops of Kenya said in a message addressed to Dear Catholics and people of goodwill. A copy of the message was sent to Fides.
The Bishops ask for an "immediate cessation of violence and of situations which lead to violence. This includes the organisation of demonstrations that lead to violence in this volatile situation and also the excessive use of force by disciplined forces”, and the use of language to incite. In the message the Bishops' Conference also denounces the use of the use of the violence of intimidating and irresponsible statements, language, rumours and even through the mobile phone.
The Bishops also take a position on the question of the return home of displaced persons: “ We believe that this is not the time to “force” displaced people to go to places where there is now nothing to go back to. The poor and the powerless have been further impoverished. Where with they go?”
The Bishops conclude “ we encourage our Catholics and all people of good will to continue the prayers and the coming together again of all Kenyans. We know the many generous ways in which you are responding to this crisis. Please continue to do so. All of us want to get on with our lives - educating the children, healing the sick, doing our business, worshipping of God and helping each other in our journey through life.”.
At the political on 24 January Kofi Annan had a meeting with President Kibaki, while clashes continue in various parts of the country, especially in the west and in Nairobi slums where violence has become criminal (see Fides 21/1/2008). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 24/1/2008 righe 24 parole 313)