Mission

KENYA.
Bishop John writes (January 4th, 2008)

We must all be aware of the difficult situation in Kenya at the moment.  I have been in touch with the bishops of our twinned dioceses of Nakuru and Nyahururu.  Both bishops have expressed gratitude for our solidarity and prayer.

The situation in Nakuru is more difficult with many areas directly affected.  Bishop Stephen mentions particularly "The Southern part of Nakuru town, Molo area, Njoro area, Mau Narok, Narok area, Eldama Ravine and other areas.  People are camped in churches without food and basic necessities.  This puts the Diocese under great financial pressure".

Bishop Charles has written from Nyahururu:
"We need your prayers for Kenya.  The situation in Kenya today is very bad.  This was prompted by the presidential elections which were very closely contested.  There were many flaws in the tallying of the presidential votes.  Every side is alleging rigging of the votes in favouir of every side i.e. the winners and the losers.  As a result over 178 people have been reported dead. Over 50 women and children were killed when a church was set ablaze by gangsters in Eldoret.  Those who tried to escape were hacked down with machetes.  These are conservative figures as reported by the mass media.  Kisumu, Mombasa, Kericho, Eldoret and Kakamega are no-go zones for members of some communities.

Communities that have lived together for many years have risen against each other.  The whole blame goes to our political leaders who since the year 2002 have not been on speaking terms.  Most political party leaders have been hyping up ethnicity to win elections.

The diocese of Nyahururu has not experienced much of the skirmishes like other parts of the country but we have become hosts to those who are looking for refuge from the troubled areas.  Some of the people are staying in church halls.  We are appealing for food from the Christians and well wishers in the diocese to feed the mothers and children.  We are keeping six people in our house who have fled from the war torn area of Mt. Elgon.  Pass our love to our friends."

Bishop John asks churches to take a retiring collection on 6th January or send him cheques payable to 'The Friends of Nakuru' via Diocesan Church House, 211 New Church Road, Hove BN3 4ED, telephone 01273 421021, fax 01273 421041.

Pagham Church is a registered Charity: Charity No. 1134842