KENYA: Consider Creative Ways of Containing Rise in Coronavirus Infections, Bishops Urge Government

NAIROBI, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 (CISA)-The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has expressed concern over the surge in the number of those infected by the coronavirus and called on the government to consider more creative ways of containing the spread of the virus.

“We note with great concern the surge in the number of those infected by the coronavirus and the many lives we are losing daily.  We send our condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones to this pandemic and assure you of our continued prayers. For those who are sick, we assure you our prayers for healing, the bishops said in a November 12 statement released at the end of a plenary meeting held at Subukia Village of Mary Shrine in Nakuru.

The bishops noted the financial burdens facing those affected in terms of medical bills for the sick and funeral costs for those who have died and appealed to Kenyans to reach out and help those in need.

“We are very much concerned by the financial burdens that are facing all of us, especially the poor who cannot afford the medical bills for those who are sick, and funeral costs for those who have died.  We appeal to the generosity of our dear Kenyans to reach out to those in need and help ease the financial and psychological burden they are carrying.  We should be guided by our great African tradition of sharing what we have,” they said.

“We encourage the government to consider more creative ways of containing the spread of the virus in addition to the recommended universal protocols,” the bishops said reminding religious leaders and all worshippers to follow the protocols developed by the Interfaith Council to ensure the safety of the worshippers.

“Each one has a personal responsibility to ensure a safe environment for the people we live, work and interact with in our everyday life,” they stressed.

The prelates also expressed concern over heightened political activity around the referendum debate on the recently published Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Report, noting that it is not the best time to subject Kenyans to undertake fundamental constitutional reforms in the wake of the persisting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.