The Catholic Church in Kenya today launched the Covid-19 Caritas Emergency Response Initiative to support Kenyans in dire need of relief assistance during this period when the country is battling with the Coronavirus disease.
Mombasa Metropolitan Catholic head and Chairman of Caritas Kenya fraternity, Archbishop Martin Kivuva said the move is meant to supplement government efforts in providing for the less fortunate when the country is grappling with an unprecedented scenario of one disaster after another.
He said Caritas Kenya, the umbrella Catholic relief agency, appeals to Kenyans who are able to assist complement and supplement government efforts to pull together to raise funds and donate foodstuffs for the initiative whose target is the poorest of the poor and the most needy in society.
“As religious people we are always ready to help when facilitated, we need your help. I know it is not easy, but am sure some of you have something to spare,” Archbishop Kivuva implored.
He called upon well-wishers to channel their donations through their parishes, dioceses, religious communities, Hindu temples and Mosques, and commended dioceses that have already launched the charity drive.
Archbishop Kivuva was speaking today at Holy Family Basilica Church in Nairobi, when he celebrated Sunday Mass transmitted live on various local television and radio channels for the Catholic faithful who are not able to attend the religious rite in churches following the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.
He was accompanied by the Head of the Catholic Church in Kenya, Cardinal John Njue, the Father-in-charge of Holy Family Basilica Simon Kamomoe and some priests from the Archdiocese of Nairobi.
The prelate also asked for transparency in the relief distribution exercise, noting that last year the country spoke out against corruption malpractices.
“Maybe there are those who are saying it is high time to make money. No, it is high time to save lives, it is high time to share with the needy,” stressed Archbishop Kivuva.
Archbishop Kivuva at the same time urged Kenyans to strictly follow the guidelines spelt out by the Ministry of Health and the government regarding social distancing, wearing of face masks and washing of hands with soap and running water to combat the spread of coronavirus disease.
Caritas Kenya is the development and humanitarian arm of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, it has its presence in 25 Catholic Dioceses spread across the 47 Counties in Kenya.
It works closely with the most poor and vulnerable population in the urban and peri-urban, rural and marginalized Kenyan lands.
By Bernadette Khaduli
Catholic Church Launches Covid-19 Emergency Response Initiative
