By Andrew Kaufa
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, KCCB, has sent an emergency appeal to fellow bishops, all Religious superiors, Catholic institutions, Christians, partners and people of good will for donations to serve the lives of thousands of people whose lives are now in danger as a result of floods, mudslides and hailstorms which have been experienced in some parts of the country since October this year.
The relief items being required are mosquito nets, sleeping mats and blankets, kitchen utensils, water sanitation and hygiene interventions such as soap and chlorine for water treatment and disinfection of latrines.
In a letter dated 26thNovember and signed by Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, Chairman of KCCB and Most Rev. Martin Kivuva, President of Caritas Kenya, the bishops have note that there is an emergency situation caused by flooding in some parts of the country which include counties such as Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, Turkana, Markwet, Kitui, Meru, Kajiado, Nandi, Kwale, Garissa, Murang’a and Busia.
“In the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar, the floods have displaced over 8,000 people and swept away thousands of livestock,” reads part of the statement adding, “The floods have further damaged agriculture lands and the extent of the damage is expected to increase once floods have receded.”“In the Diocese of Kitale, at least 29 people died as a result of severe weather affecting the villages of Nyarkulian and Parua in West Pokot county, in addition 17 people died is a mudslide in the village of Takmal in the Pokot Central District, while 12 others lost their lives in mudslides in the villages of Parua and Tapach in Pokot South.
Government and Church infrastructure such as roads, schools, bridges and vehicles have also been affected by heavy rain and floods.
“Saint Teresa Pastoral Centre in Lodwar town lost property worth 100,000 US dollars,” reads the statement.
The bishops are asking for well wishers to come in and assist the Conference in the emergency operation that has already rolled out by donating funds, food and non-food items to serve the lives of the affected population.“Donations can be channelled through our parishes, diocesan and national offices and other Church institutions. Caritas, the development and humanitarian arm of the Church will coordinate this initiative,” continues the statement which concludes with bank details (KEC Catholic Charity Emergency Fund, Kenya Commercial Bank, Acc. No. 1106770862, Sarit Centre branch) and Mpesa Pay Bill details (Business No. 560702, Acc. No. 560702).