KENYA: Bishops Stress on Strict Adherence to Health Measures Against Covid-19

NAIROBI, APRIL 7, 2020 (CISA) – The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has joined the Government of Kenya in appealing to the public to adhere to calls of social distancing, wearing face masks and taking the sanitary measures seriously as prescribed by health officials.

“We give our moral support and pray for all the healthcare workers who are in the frontline, risking their lives and battling the virus,” said Archbishop Phillip Anyolo chairman of the KCCB at the end of the televised celebration of Palm Sunday celebrated alongside the Archbishop of Nairobi, John Cardinal Njue at the Holy Family Basilica, Nairobi.

“The Church also stands in solidarity with all those already suffering, infected and those who have lost their loved ones due to this tragic virus,” bishop Anyolo said.

“As we enter the Christian Holy Week beginning today Palm Sunday, through Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday, we pray that may the suffering of Jesus on the cross, His death and resurrection be symbolic, giving us the Chance to reflect on His sacrifice for humanity, that we may attain eternal life,” he said calling on Christians to prepare their hearts by repentance and charitable works, care for one another during the Coronavirus crisis.

On Monday April 6, the Government of Kenya through an address made by President Uhuru Kenyatta announced new measures to control the spread of Covid-19 which has so far infected 172 people and claimed lives of six patients.

President Kenyatta announced the immediate cessation of movement in and out of Nairobi Metropolitan area for 21 days effective Monday April 6. The same measures will take effect in the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale starting Wednesday April 8, 7pm.

The Nairobi Metropolitan Area has been designated as Nairobi City County, Parts of Kiambu County upto Chania River Bridge in Thika, including Rironi, Ndenderu, Kiambu Town; Parts of Machakos County upto Athi-Riiver, Including Katani; part of Kajiado County including Kitengela, Kiserian, Ongata Rongai and Ngong Town.