Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
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| Bishop John Oballa on behalf of KCCB appeals for transparency in use of COVID-19 Emergency Fund |
As countries fight against the spread of COVID-19, Catholic Bishops in Kenya have called on Government to ensure that funds meant to help stop the spread of Coronavirus during this period are used for the intended purpose.
“We are concerned on the reports that some funds meant for the pandemic containment appear to be misused,” the Bishops said in a statement read by the Vice-Chairman of Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Bishop John Oballa Owaa on Sunday, May 3.
They added, “We appeal to Government to ensure that the funds available are used solely for the purpose of fighting the pandemic and returning the country to normalcy.”
The Bishops request came after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raised concern to the government of Kenya, that amid the need for quick implementation of the funds, accountability is key so as to ensure that the allocated funds are channeled towards the appropriate use.
Speaking during the homily when celebrating the televised Sunday Mass at Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, Bishop Oballa insisted, “What a blessing it would be if each coin, each cent went into the purpose for which it was donated at all levels.”
The Church leaders also highlighted the need of preparedness towards natural calamities such as the floods that have wreaked various parts of the country leaving a trail of destruction, to help create awareness to the people and reduce mortality rate which results from such tragedies.
“Given that deaths, displacement of people and loss of property from natural disasters are increasing in Kenya, we all need to reflect deeper on our disaster preparedness so as to minimize loss of lives whenever tragedies happen,” the Bishops stated.
They further reminded spouses to be respectful and loving to each other especially during this period of pandemic and avoid violence which seem to be escalating.
“Currently, there is an increase of Gender Based Violence in our society…we appeal to spouses to retain a heart of love, understanding, respect and patience for each other, especially during this time of the pandemic,” Bishop Oballa of Kenya’s Ngong diocese read the statement, reminding the people to also “not forget the plight of the most vulnerable in our society, especially children, women, and persons living with disabilities.”
Besides, Bishop Oballa who is also the Chairman of KCCB’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) asked for government’s support to faith-based health facilities so that health workers can enhance government’s effort in fighting against COVID-19.
“We request that faith-based health facilities, most of which serve in hard-to-reach populations in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) and Informal Settlements, be included in the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPEs),” the Bishops appealed and added “the staff be considered for access to the Government Covid-19 treatment and isolation Facilities for Healthcare Workers.”
This the Prelates said “will supplement Government's efforts in containing the disease at the earliest opportunity possible.”
“We truly thank our medical staff in particular for the enduring love for this country. Our hope, is in their hands with the help or God. We also thank many other people in the line of duty and whose work is complementary to the medics, such as the media, security and food suppliers, without whom we will be losing hope against the pandemic.”
The Bishops called on all the faithful to remain dedicated in prayer for God’s intervention saying, “We shall arise from the current situation of fear and uncertainty, for God will never abandon us. We invite you all to join us to continue praying for our beloved country, those who are in the frontline to save lives where disasters have occurred, and our medics taking risks as they treat patients including those infected and affected by the Coronavirus.”