KENYA: Interfaith Council Appeals to Kenyans to Help Elderly Get Vaccinated

By Arnold Neliba

NAIROBI, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 (CISA)-The Interfaith Council for National Response to Corona Virus Pandemic has appealed to Kenyans to help the elderly access Covid-19 vaccination points as the country continues to combat the spread of the disease.

“Let us especially assist the elderly to get vaccinated, since many times they are further away from vaccination points and may not even be aware of it. They are our loved ones and we do not wish to lose their lives by chance, through Covid-19 illness,” reads a statement dated September 27 and signed by Archbishop Anthony Muheria, Chairman of the Interfaith Council.

The Chairman of the Interfaith Council applauded Kenyans for the greater uptake of vaccines in August, while at the same time, emphasizing continued compliance to the Covid-19 protocols set for places of worship.

“We witnessed a tremendous surge in infections in July and September 2021, but more worrying was the high numbers of Covid-19 related deaths. The prevalence remained at over 15% for a very long time. We are glad to note that the numbers seem to be coming down and the prevalence stands at around 9%,” he said.

“We plead with all Kenyans through the Religious leaders, to shorten the time between death and the Burial, to reduce the number of the preparation gatherings. Please also adhere to the Guidelines from the Interfaith Council in the Funerals, which include not to offer any meals at the funerals,” Archbishop Muheria adds.

However, the prelate also noted that the heightened political climate and increased political gatherings have hampered the efforts made in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

“We plead to all Kenyans to put their lives first and desist from participating in these gatherings where little effort is made to live the precautions and protocols given by the Ministry of Health. We have pleaded with the political class to seek alternative methods of popularizing themselves that do not endanger our citizens,” said Archbishop Muheria.