Operation Rudi Nyumbani
Returning home after the post- election violence |
Following the Post election Crisis that affected the country, a large number of families were displaced and an estimated number of over 1500 killed. Kisumu city in Nyanza Province was one of the areas that bore the impact of the conflict.
The government's plan to resettle the thousands of people displaced from their homes during the post 2007 election violence in Kenya was received with mixed reactions. The resettlement initiative dubbed ‘ Operation rudi nyumbani ‘ (operation return home) kicked off on May 5, 2008.
Although the displaced people in some of the IDP camps welcomed the move, most of them were concerned about the guarantee of their safety and access to basic necessities (food, shelter, health, education and sources of livelihoods) once they return to their farms.
The displaced people did not escape with anything when the violence erupted, while their homes including food stores were burnt down and other property stolen. The returnees carried the tents they were using at the camps to use them for shelter in the meantime at their farms before they reconstruct their homes. To suppport the resettlement initiative, Nyanza Inter-diocesan Christian Community Services ( IDCCS Ltd) received 200 kitchen kits towards the end of February from DOSS.
The kits were distributed in two camps for the Internally Displaced people namely Koru Police Station and Muhoroni/Mnara D.O ‘s office. The returnees who were resettled in back into their communities were targeted in the two IDCCS Project sites namely Ahero Parish of The ACK and Pap-Onditi Parish.
It is reported that most people fear that once the resettlement of the displaced people is done, long term issues that have always divided the communities leading to inter-ethnic conflict experienced in the areas would remain unaddressed, making it volatile in the future if triggered. Many are requesting for dialogue in order to resolve the differences.
Report by- Sam Ombidi (IDCCS)
Edited by- Joyce Wambui K. (ACK DOSS)
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| NAIKA- The launch |
11th June 2008 marked an important day in the history of the Anglican Church of Kenya. A high profile delegation gathered at the ACK Guesthouse Nairobi to officially launch the NAIKA Christian Community Services(NAIKA - CCS).
 Graced by the NAIKA Chairman Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi, and the Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Development Hon. Mutula Kilonzo, it was presided over by the Nairobi Diocese Bishop Njoka. Other guests at the launch include Equity Bank CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, Church Commissioners of Kenya CEO Mr. Sam Awour, and bishops and clergy from different parts of the country.
Archbishop Nzimbi,Hon. Mutula Kilonzo, and
Bishop Njoka appreciate the artwork of the diplays
The event was livened up by a skit from ACK St. Phillip'S Jericho Church, exhibitions from various institutions within the NAIKA region, and a short documentary highlighting the role of NAIKA.
NAIKA is an abbreviation of Nairobi, Kajiado and All Saints Dioceses. It seeks to reach out to the community through social programmes including Capacity building, Water and Sanitation, Food Security, Health and HIV/ AIDS among others.
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| Rebuilding livelihoods |
After the post election violence that hit various parts of the country, livelihoods almost came to a standstill. Many were displaced from the land they have known as home for many years. As the rainy season started, the internally displaced families sat hlplessly at the camps. No sources of finances to cultivate the land and resume the small- scale farming they are accustomed to. It was a struggle to rebuild livelihoods.
In Ndefo area located in the newly created Molo District, in the Rift Valley province of Kenya, the skirmishes displaced over 4, 000 people. The area which has well drained volcanic soils lay bare with weeds and dry stalks of harvested maize. A reflection of food insecurity that would face parts of the nation.
The Anglican Church of Kenya in collaboration with Diakonie Humanitarian Aid Germany and the Lutheran Church came together to offer humanitarian support . Diakonie supported the community with food stuffs for a period of three months and the Lutheran Church donated funds for maize seeds.
With time, some IDP's eventually went back to their farms. Idleness that heightened tension in the area was reduced as much time and energy was channeled to productive farm work. This reduced dependency on relief foods support, and established good grounds for peace building between the two neighboring communities. The path to rebuilding livelihoods has just begun.
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| DESERTED…striving to rebuild after the post- election violence |
It's a story of changed lives, livelihoods shattered and families displaced from the place they have known as home for years. As we visited different locations in Nakuru districts, the evidence of a land afflicted laid bare. Deserted roads, burnt shopping centres, discouraged families at the camps and abandoned land awaiting cultivation.
Anglican Church of Kenya supported by Diakonie and the Government of Germany visited some of the areas affected by the post - election violence. In a mission dabbed; Together as one, the initiative hopes to donate emergency aid to the affected.
  
1. Razed- Shopping centre 2. Deserted- Land for cultivation 3. Donation- Maize seeds & blankets At every distribution point namely Tiret, Baringo B, Tegea and Ndeffo, hundreds gathered with high expectations for provision of seeds and work in the due season. Those who were left behind had no seeds to plant since the previous years' harvest was set ablaze, while those at the camps had nothing to cover themselves in this cold season. To meet the need, the team donated maize seeds and blankets.
Food supplies remain limited, the few shopping centers that existed then were razed to ashes thus they travel long distances. Sustainable sources of income were affected and providing for families has been a challenging responsibility.
The expanse untilled land threatens food security in the nation since the area' massive produce supplies cereals to many parts of the country.
Other items to be supplied include tanks for water storage and improved sanitation, kitchen kits with basic utensils, soap, building materials, and high energy biscuits for expectant and lactating mothers.
The project was officially launched on April 14 th 2008.
Story and photos by - Joyce Wambui K. |
MICRO- ENTERPRISE TRAINING
Mombasa IDP's training by Tumaini na Undugu team
While life seems to be back on track to many Kenyans after the post- election violence, many are still working on the paces. In Mombasa, hundreds of internally displaced people are yet to resettle. Hosted by well- wishers, friends and family, unknown to them is channels for sustainable sources of income.
In a bid to restore hope, the Tumaini na Undugu team met a group of approximately 150 internally displaced persons at Wesley Methodist Church in Tononoka, Mombasa. The team comprising of Mr. Joseph Wangai from ACK Directorate of Social Services and James Sina of Equity Bank, health and Micro- enterprise ventures were their respective specialties.
 Shortly after, the attendees grouped in tens, shared business ideas and sought professional counsel on business plans. They plan to acquire micro- loans for capital through the bank. "The culture of dependency is not their nature, they want to start their businesses and earn for their families," said Wanjiru, a volunteer counsellor.
Ready to live on after their businesses were looted and burnt down, they thanked the Tumaini na Undugu initiative for the workshop.
After the training, each recieved two packets of flour donated by the Tumaini na Undugu initiative.
In attendance was the Methodist Church bishop Paul Kagwi and Equity bank Manager Mombasa branch, Mrs. Charity Mwakesi.
The Tumaini na Undugu initiative is a partnership of PCEA, Methodist Church , Anglican Church of Kenya, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Equity bank, Britak and Housing Finance.
KENYA'S CRISIS- The road to recovery
After the post- election violence that affected many parts of the country, adverse effects on the lives of many are evident. The nation is striving to recover from the losses; restoring peaceful co- existence and rebuilding the economy. Its the long road to recovery and regaining the lost glory. Read more
LEFT BEHIND (Real Life Experience)
Left behind with no possessions. Left behind motherless. Left...with three children to take care of.
When the skirmishes started in Eldoret, she hurriedly packed few belonging and rushed the church grounds which were perceived places of peace: together with her mother and three children. Reginah, then expectant, joined hundreds of other displaced people who had found their refuge in Kenya Assemblies of God Pentecostal Church in Kiambaa in the outskirts of the town of Eldoret in Kenya.
On the fateful day, January 31 st 2007 , she had gone to town with one of her young sons to purchase some of the items lacking at the camp. While away, the tension in Kiambaa area intensified and fighting continued.
Unruly youths surrounded the church in Eldoret singing war songs.The attackers blocked the doors, poured fuel at the church building and set it ablaze.
Her mum, Wambui, who was on a whee-lchair could not escape. Good Samaritans tried to push her out but the commotion at the door could not ease her movement. The kind lady requested those who could save their lives to do so first. Helplessly she was consumed in flames. The other son who was left narrowly escaped when one man broke the wooden wall and pushed him out. Her brother who is a student at the Nairobi University , tried to rescue the mum but was hacked with machetes and was seriously injured. He regained consciousness later but is yet to regain his full memory.
At a small house in Kawangware Nairobi is where Reginah Wambui resides with her three young children. In her arms peacefully rests Angel Wambui, a one month old baby girl who was named after her mother who was burnt alive in the church in Eldoret. Her bundle of joy is the memory of their beloved mum.
 Hosted by her cousin, she's yet to come to terms with the details of the heart- breaking ordeal. The two sons Paul Muriuki,7 and James Irungu, 11 haven't reported back to school, her efforts to secure them a has been futile. Though young, they can clearly comprehend the events that preceded their evacuation. Muriuki could not mention the former school where he was at Kiambaa. “He doesn't mention the name of the place anymore. The memories are still fresh. It grieves him,” said the mum.
As she struggled to narrate the encounter, her eyes were teary. “We haven't buried the ashes of our mum. The authorities postponed the burial until further notice,” she said.
Angel, her new- born daughter, is all she can hold on to. Hoping life will regain its momentum, and her feet able to rise again. Left behind…to light the candle of hope to her beloved children.
Donations courtesy: Tumaini na Undugu Initiatve
Equity Bank: A/C No. 0180291752844
Story and photo by - Joyce Wambui K.
TIME AWAY FOR THE ACK PROVINCIAL STAFF
The ACK Provincial staff took some time out and away to rejuvenate, packaged in a two-day retreat held at St. Julians retreat Centre in Limuru on 7th and 8th February 2008. The itinerary united the staff in a common bond with connect, play and pray principles on the top notch.
Gracing the event was the presence of The Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi who attended the first day of the retreat and shared some key virtues on family life.
Bishop Lawrence Dena, the current provincial secretary was in attendance proving the solidarity of the ACK Provincial staff. Among the topics shared include Teamwork, Family life and Family budget.
Praise and worship was no exception, the staff joined in the daily devotional sessions a reminder that all we do is for building God's kingdom. The games defied age and rank, as all participated in musical chairs, football and catch-me- if- you- can. Echoing the need for more of retreats, Rev. Canon Rosemary Mbogo said its important to set time aside to listen to the inner self and connect with others.
More than the serene environment, great company and sumptuous delicacies, it's the participation of the team that made it a worth- while getaway. Too much work and no play….not with the ACK Provincial staff.
Story by - Joyce Wambui K
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| HOPE FOR THE DISPLACED AT TIGONI CAMP |
Located 50kms from the city center is Tigoni police station. Contrary to the daily responsibility of maintaining law and order, the police station has been turned to a place of refuge for the internally displaced people in Tigoni, Limuru.
 Despite the small perimeter at the police station, it hosts 4,200 displaced people from different ethnic communities. When it was opened on January 28 th , 2008 the numbers ranked 6,400 but some have managed to travel upcountry to their “rural homes.” Kids are the majority with 60% recorded at the camp.
Unfortunately, water and sanitation are limited thus exposing the children to diseases. Cases of vomiting and diarrhoea have been reported. “The weather is extreme and the children are suffering form colds and flu. Urgent medical support is needed,” said Swaleh the Red Cross team leader at the camp.
The people flee from their homes with little or no possession at all, leaving them at the mercy of well- wishers. Many have contributed food stuff and clothing leaving the psycho- social support unattended.
Tumaini na Undugu and initiative of Equity Bank, ACK, PCEA and Methodist church spent a day to offer psycho- social support . Members of staff represented their respective organizations. The fun day drew away the cloud of gloom as the people burst into laughter courtesy of the Vitimbi comedians skits addressing the issues in our country, with a light touch. Youngesters were treated to the creative art of face painting. Interludes of music from the K-krew(Hope fm) and other gospel artists gave the displaced an aura of peace amidst despair.
We hope that more Kenyans will join in the initiaitive and impact lives. |
| 10m FOR RELIEF |
In response to the humanitarian crisis that has hit parts of the country following the 2007 disputed presidential results, Equity bank has donated Shs.10 million to Tumaini na Undugu Response, presented on January 22 nd 2008 .
The initiative which is a partnership of PCEA, Methodist Church , Anglican Church of Kenya, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and the bank itself, seeks to restore hope.
The cheque for shs.10 million was jointly received by ACK Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi, Methodist church presiding Bishop Rev. Dr .Stephen Kanyaru, PCEA Moderator Rev. Samuel Murigu and KBC Managing director, Mr. David Waweru.
Presenting the cheque, Equity bank CEO Dr. James Mwangi said the success of the initiative would depend on the generous contributions by the Kenyans towards this needy and worthy cause. He said the church has been very supportive in giving moral, material and spiritual assistance. Archbishop Nzimbi said, “We have joined together to help the needy Kenyans. We are also calling for peaceful co-existence the way we have lived as one country, one Kenya . We appeal and pray for peace so that these people can go back to live their normal lives,” Said Nzimbi.
Anglican church dioceses of Kirinyaga, Embu and Thika donated foodstuff, clothing and other relief items to the thousands of displaced people who are taking refuge in Molo and Mau Summit churches respectively.
The donated items were first received in Nakuru and the ACK diocesan bishop Stephen Mwangi Njihia with his committee of partner representatives for distribution to the displaced. Both Molo and Mau Summit fall under Nakuru diocese. On behalf of the committee, Bishop Njihia thanked the three dioceses for their donations which were among the first to be received after the partnership came into being.
So far the partners in the Tumaini na Undugu partnership have distributed over 100 tons of food and clothing.
Contributions in cash or kind can be sent to Equity Bank A/C Number: 0180291752844
Email: info@tumaininaundugu.org Telephone + 254 20 2192841/ 2
      
Story by - Job Githinji and Joyce Wambui K
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| ACK RESPONSE TO ELECTION VIOLENCE IN KENYA |
BACKGROUND
Kenyans went to the ballot on Thursday 27 th December, 2007 morning for both the presidential and parliamentary seats in the republic. The Election Day went smoothly with no reported cases of violence in various part of the country. Trouble and sense of insecurity started on Friday evening when the body mandated with conducting election in Kenya- ECK (Electoral Commission of Kenya) addressed a press conference and indicated / blamed the delay in announcing presidential results on some returning Officers who allegedly had disappeared with election results in some constituencies.
The election presidential results were announced on December, 30 Th . 2007, naming Mwai Kibaki as the winner. This led to tensions and violence in Nyanza, Rift Valley and parts of Western Provinces in Kenya which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people with tens of thousands fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in police stations, schools and churches. Reports indicate that Eldoret (Rift Valley) has the largest number of Internally Displaced Persons, followed by Nakuru, Nyanza and western.
The volatile situation in the country has called for humanitarian support to those affected.
INTERVENTIONS SO FAR
1.Members of the ACT Kenya Forum (AKF) have met and are remaining in constant contact as they plan a response to the humanitarian needs. The ACT Kenya Forum has already mobilized the following resources:
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Church World Service (CWS) is providing emergency food relief (US $20,000) for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nairobi slums, who urgently need assistance. CWS is working through its implementing partner, the Kenyan Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC).
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Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is providing food relief (US $28,000) for IDPs in Kisumu. NCA is working through its implementing partner, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK).
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Dan Church Aid (DCA) has committed $22,500 to Anglican Church Of Kenya Eldoret CCS to provide relief food.
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Lutheran World Relief (LWR) has committed $ 25,000 to ELCK and KELC at the coast.
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Christian Aid is fundraising for $60,000 to support interventions in IDCCS- Nyanza.
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Diakonie Emergency Aid is fundraising for Free Pentecostal Church in Kenya in Western and Nyanza.
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Diakonia will support NCCK in their interventions in Western.
2. Several national forums have being set up to discuss intervention strategies, we are constantly updated on the
progress.
3. The RCCS in the affected areas – Eldoret, Mt. Kenya East, Mt. Kenya , Nakuru- have developed their concepts and approached their regular development partners. Eldoret has received commitment from ICCO the other RCCS are still waiting.
WAY FORWARD
- ACT Kenya forum members are developing an appeal – ACK component will have Nakuru, Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kenya East Regions.
- Continue to participate in the ACT and other national meetings.
- We are appealing to other partners for support. You could contact us through ackdev@africaonline.co.ke for comments or any available support.
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| POST ELECTION VIOLENCE IN KENYA |
Kenyans went to the polls on Thursday 27th December 2007 to elect civic, parliament and presidential leaders. They voted peacefully and eagerly awaited the results.
On Sunday 30th December 2007, following the announcement of the Presidential elections results, the country was plunged into an unprecedented violence and lawlessness characterised by murder, arson, rape, looting and all kinds of threats and intimidation.
Just prior to the announcement of the results by the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) Chairman Mr. Samuel Kivuitu, tensions had already started to mount as both PNU and ODM supporters called for the ECK to announce the winner.
With tensions high, the announcement therefore of President Kibaki as the winner of the elections, inflamed the already volatile situation sparking off violent protests in Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret and parts of Nairobi.
The situation pitted communities against each other and this led to ejecting and intimidation of members of one community from these towns resulting to a huge influx of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The IDPs consist mainly of women and children, currently accommodated in police stations, churches, social/community centres, Agricultural Society of Kenya show grounds etc.
This has set off a huge humanitarian crisis as these displaced Kenyans are in dire need of food, water and clothing.
Humanitarian organisations, corporate organisations, and Kenyans of goodwill among others have rallied together to provide much needed assistance and relief.
We passionately appeal for calm and tolerance as Kenyans embrace each other in love and acceptance, a people who have peacefully coexisted for years.
We stand in solidarity with the thousands of Kenyans who are suffering and undergoing hardships and appeal to all our partners and friends to join us in supporting them in any way possible. Read more
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NZIMBI STATES THE CHURCH STAND ON ISSUES AFFECTING THE COUNTRY
The Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop The Most Rev. Benjamin Nzimbi has issued a pastoral letter stating the Church Stand on various issues affecting the country.
The Archbishop's message is contained in a letter dated 6 th November, 2007 to all the Anglican Bishops.
It highlights some topical issues which the Church feels should be addressed as campaigns for political positions in the country gathers momentum. The general elections will be held in December 27 th 2007. One of the many issues which have captured the limelight is Majimbo governance.
Click here for the pastoral letter.
ACK CCS MT. KENYA EAST LAUNCHES A VCT IN MAUA - MERU
The Anglican Church of Kenya Mt. Kenya East Christian Community Services has launced a VCT Centre in its Maua station in Meru. Click here for the full story
ACK CONDEMNS THE MP'S PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THEIR SALARY ALLOWANCES
The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya The Most Rev. Benjamin Nzimbi, expresses deep concerns over the Members of Parliaments' proposal to increase their allowances.
Below is his press statement.
PRESS STATEMENT
BY
THE MOST REV. BENJAMIN NZIMBI,
THE ARCHBISHOP OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF KENYA
Friday, July 27, 2007
We recognize the role played by the National Assembly in making legislation, providing checks and balances to the other organs of government as well as parliamentarians' responsibility of representing the millions of Kenyans.
However we are deeply concerned by the MPs intention in the current proposals by the Minister for Finance to amend the National Assembly Remuneration Act to be included in the Statute Law (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill to give the Members of Parliament a severance allowan ce.
We take notice that this sitting of Parliament has been characterized with unanimous salary and allowances increments since its inauguration in 2003.
It is evident that our Members of Parliament have put themselves as a unique group of Kenyan workers whose category is different with special needs that do not take into account economic development and the plight of the rest of the people.
The proposal has no basis at all and cannot be justified especially taking into consideration that there is no other category of Kenyan workers who benefit from such. The members of parliament have been serving a full term of 5 years with all their monthly pay and there is no justification for a severance allowance.
This proposal is a clear evidence of abuse of power and duty and is a perpetuation of political class economic injustice and a negation of good governance principles of accountability, honesty and responsibility.
We are deeply concerned that the same MPs who refused to have their hefty allowances to be taxed in order to finance the public goods like free education, health care and security, have instead sought to allocate themselves taxpayers' money to the tune of billions.
We see this decision and proposal as selfish, individualistic and a sure way of neglecting the plight of millions of poor Kenyans who are actually the voters. We cannot therefore allow this manner of conduct by those who are meant to be serving Kenyans to continue as it now renders Kenyans and taxpayers to be at the mercies of the MPs. This negates the justice that God demands of our leaders to be given to the poor, orphans and widows.
We further note that with this kind of behaviour, it is evident the kind of Parliament that we are bound to have should it be allowed to have absolute powers to control itself without any checks and balances from the other 2 organs of government that is executive and judiciary.
We are therefore calling upon all parliamentarians to desist from perpetuating this injustice especially as we go to the elections. We further call upon the Minister for Finance withdraws his proposals for the amendments.
In addition, we are calling upon the president to intervene on behalf of the millions of poor Kenyans who are in dire need to financial support from state resources.
We therefore ask Kenyans who are also the voters to reject this manner of operation by Members of Parliament.
ACK PROVOST APPOINTED NEW NCCK GENERAL SECRETARY
The Provost of All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi the Very Rev. Canon Peter Karanja has been appointed the new National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) General Secretary.
Rev. Canon Karanja succeeded Rev. Mutava Musyimi who has decided to take early retirement from the position of NCCK general Secretary.
The appointment was announced on 25th July 2007 in a press statement signed by the NCCK Chairman Bishop Dr. Eliud Wabukala and the out going General Secretary Rev. Musyimi, during the organisation's National Executive Council meeting held at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru.
A Masters of Divinity Degreee (MDIV) holder Rev. Karanja is married to Rev. Jane Karanja and are blessed with three children.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya is the umbrella organization for most of mainstream Churches in the Country.
The Organization Executive Committee appointed a 15 member search committee which advertised the position, received applications and nominations from member Churches. Rev. Karanja was nominated by ACK.
At 47 years, he joins NCCK with a wealth of experience and a remarkable track record in Christian Ministry spanning 14 years
Click here for Provost Karanja's Photograph
CHURCH WORKSHOP ON MICRO ENTERPRISE SOLUTION TO POVERTY
The Anglican Church of Kenya held a 3 –day workshop on Micro-enterprise Solution to poverty from 9 th – 12 th July 2007 as part of its role in social transformation.
The workshop opened by Bishop Lawrence Dena on behalf of the Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi attracted partners from India , UK , US and 3 local banks.
The workshop comes less than a month to another stakeholders workshop scheduled for next month to bring ideas together and help the Church develop a strategic plan on MED.
During the 3 days workshop, it came out strongly that the Church has a great potential in terms of impacting lives of the poor through micro enterprise development.
The Church has the numbers, many prominent people as members, able development partners and conducive delivery structure right down to the grassroot level.
In his remarks, the Archbishop underscored the role of the Church in social transformation and urged the participants that they should understand, appreciate and own MED initiatives in order to reap maximum benefit from it.
"THE CHURCH, THE GROANING CREATION AND THE CHALLENGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE" WORKSHOP The Anglican Church of Kenya Directorate of Social Services organized a workshop for parish leaders whose theme was as indicated above.
The training took place on 24 th – 28 th June 2007, and was one of the activities of the main ACK DOSS Disaster Management Programme. The aim of the training was to make the Church leaders know /plan for activities that they can be involved in, to reduce the impact of climate change.
Most of the disasters that are currently being experienced in Kenya and World in general are attributed to climate change hence the Church has taken the lead in building the capacity of her leadership around the issues of environmental stewardship.
The training was made possible through the partnerships between Christian Aid, ACK DOSS and Care of Creation Kenya.
The participants were drawn from the 29 ACK Dioceses and the 9 Regions of Christian Community Services (RCCS) Click her for a detailed report
GO FOR HIV TEST NOW, NZIMBI
Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi has been tested for HIV, with a call to Parliamentary and Civic aspirants, top company and parastatal managers to go for it.
Here is his speech when he was tested at All Saints Cathedral on Sunday June 24 th .
“The church has a biblical mandate to contribute to the fight against HIV & AIDS by joining other stakeholders and being in the fore front in prevention and care for its own members who have not been left behind in eh escalating pandemic.
AIDS is largely seen as a consequence of sinful or immoral sex. Religious and cultural values consider sex to be a private issue that should not be brought out in the public arena.
The despair, hopelessness and silence that surround death have therefore been closely associated with AIDS as well. Inadequate understanding of HIV transmission has led to fear of contact and avoidance of persons with AIDS, as a means of protecting oneself from getting infected with HIV.
AIDS related stigma is the highest hindrance to effective response to the fight against HIV-AIDS. This stigma has resulted in the church and community perception that AIDS is as a result of sex and sin. Due to this, people fear to know their HIV-AIDS status because there are inadequate support systems for people who test positive.
Why VCT?
In a country where the prevalence rate of HIV is currently, 6% there is 94% of the population who are negative. Surprisingly only less than 30% of the people know their HIV status thus making behaviour change communication messages difficult.
- 70 – 90% of those who are positive do not know that they are positive.
- Those who know that they are positive fear to disclose their status.
- Those who disclose do it too late to benefit from services available.
- Some HIV people get infected and die from preventable and manageable illness.
I therefore join other National and church leaders in saying that the war against HIV-AIDS must be accelerated to a notch higher.
I have taken this step to test for HIV at this VCT centre put up by All Saints Cathedral as a call to all Anglicans and Kenyans to follow suit and test.
I also urge all Bishops, church clergy and lay leaders of the church to speak more boldly and frankly about AIDS to our congregations and especially our youth. And finally, I ask all established churches to partner with all service providers in order to build the necessary synergies in the fight against HIV-AIDS.”
click here for a photo detail
ACK JOINS OTHER ECUMENICAL PARTNERS IN DISCUSSING WATER CRISES IN AFRICA
The Anglican Church of Kenya joined other Ecumenical Partners in Entebbe Uganda to discuss the water crises in Africa.
ACK was represented by DOSS Director Mr. Eliud Njeru, Ukambani CCS Director Mrs. Esther Musili and Eldoret Region CCS Project Officer Rev. Maritim Rirei.
ACK DOSS and UCCS made a presentation on the Church's participatory approaches to water supply and sanitation. Eldoret CCS shared on water based confilict.
Below is the joint statement issued from the conference:
Entebbe Statement
BISHOPS AND SPOUSES RETREAT IN MOMBASA
Anglican Church of Kenya Bishops and their spouses attended a 5-day retreat in Mombasa from April 23 rd to 28 th on the theme “renewal in the church”. Facilitated by a team from Soma International US, United Kingdom , Nigeria and Uganda , the retreat covered topics such as kingdom of God in Kenya , Shedding of innocent blood, impotent church, broken covenants, immorality, idolatry, witchcraft and slavery. During the retreat, the Church and Equity Bank management signed a memorandum of Understanding. Earlier the bank CEO had addressed the group on “Financial Literacy”.
The US based Five Talents jointly with ACK Directorate of Social Services (DOSS) made a presentation on Micro-enterprise development while the Church Commissioners for Kenya CCK talked about Provident Fund operations.
Described by Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi as ‘busy and fruitful' the retreat gave an opportunity to the Bishops and their wives to discuss broad issues facing the Church and the need for Christian leaders to look “into themselves first”. The below press statement was given by all the Bishops who attended the retreat.
ACK BISHOP TO CHAIR UFUNGAMANO INITIATIVE
Mbeere Diocesan Bishop Gideon Ireri is the new Co-chair of Ufungamano initiative, a body of religions organizations which has been involved in the review of the constitution agenda since 1999. The position of the chairman was previously held by the Rev. Mutava Musyimi.
The Ufungamano initiative comprises of Kenya Episcopal Conference, Anglican Church of Kenya, PCEA, SDA, SA, Methodist Church , Evangelical alliance of Kenya , NCCK, Organization of African Instituted Churches, and Hindu Council of Kenya. Supkem was also a member but pulled out over the debate on Kadhi Courts in the constitutional review.
The new Secretary to the initiative is Mr. Charles Wambugu who took over from the long serving J. J. Mageria.
CHURCH BODY ADVICE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
The Ufungamano Initiative comprising Kenya Episcopal Conference, Anglican Church of Kenya, Presbyterian Church of East Africa, Methodist Church of Kenya, Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, National Council of Churches of Kenya, Organization of Africa Instituted Churches, Seventh Day Adventist Church, salvation Army, and Hindu Council of Kenya, has been involved in the review of the constitution agenda since 1999 as a body of religious organizations.
Ufungamano has been meeting and deliberating on matters of the review of the constitution consistently since inception.
Ufungamano had even established a People's Commission on the review which later merged with the Government Commission (CKRC) headed by Professor Yash Ghai.
The Ufungamano Initiative has had serious concerns on the clamour for “minimum reforms” by politicians in Parliament. Ufungamano has spoken on this matter before.
On 7 th December 2006 , Ufungamano met and issued a statement observing that politicians were only interested in securing themselves the benefits of short term amendments to our constitution. Once their desire for “minimum reforms' is realized they would no longer be keen in advancing the agenda for comprehensive review of the constitution. It was clear that the push for “minimum reforms” was a sectoral agenda which did not consider the interest of the Nation at large. Ufungamano saw the danger of political boardroom deals being made to the detriment of comprehensive review which Kenyan have always cherished.
As expressed in the earlier statement Ufungamano wishes to advise Kenyans of every description that trying the constitutional concerns to general election would endanger the process of constitution review seriously. Constitution review and the general election should be de-linked. The review is a process; general election is an event. The two have different objectives.
There is also the question of whether Kenyans can address matters of the constitution soberly in the year of a general election when politicians are suffering from election fever and trying to make mileage from short term amendments.
The ongoing talks on the “minimum reforms” between politicians are misplaced. The proposed reforms are clearly not minimum. They are heavy matters touching on the constitution. They country cannot allow parliament to change the constitution on its own at will.
It is important to remind Kenyans that, the politicians in Parliament today, were elected freely and fairly under the current, constitution in 2002. The same constitution is capable of moving the country from the present Parliament and Government to the next Parliament and Government.
Framework for Review of the constitution
Ufungamano urges Parliament to do what is absolutely necessary too safeguard the entire review process in the interest of the country. Parliament should enact the framework for comprehensive review in order to entrench the review in the current constitution. The bills on the review which are waiting should be passed as a matter of priority binding the next Parliament and Government to facilitate completion of the process of constitution review.
THESE ARE OUR DEMANDS, MOPA
Over 20 organizations including the Anglican Church of Kenya have joined hands to demand accountability by leaders aspiring for Presidential and parliamentary seats in the December general elections
Under the Movement for Public Accountability (MOPA), the organizations have come up with a charter demanding that each of the 2007 parliamentary aspirants commit themselves to certain issues.
These include reduction of MPs salaries from the present Ksh.850,000.00 to Ksh.400,000.000 commitment to non-discrimination, accountability to political parties, recovery of public resources, matters of security, diligence in parliament and transparency.
FIRST ANGLICAN BISHOP IN THE ARMED FORCES
Colonel Rev. Peter Wanyonyi Simiyu is the first Protestant (Anglican Church) Bishop of the Armed Forces in Kenya .
He was consecrated and enthroned the first Suffragan Bishop of Armed Forces Protestant Chaplaincy at a colourful ceremony presided over by Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi at Holy Trinity Church , Embakasi Garrison on February 7 th 2007 . Archbishop Nzimbi said later “This is history. After many years, we have at last the first ever Bishop in the Armed Forces”.
Bishop Simiyu 51, a father of five children has worked as a teacher and priest before joining the Armed forces as a chaplain. Married to a teacher Rosemary Mulimba, he got promoted to full Colonel last year. In his sermon, Archbishop Nzimbi reminded the new Bishop that he was called to be a shepherd to the flock that Christ had put in his care.
“You are called to lead in serving and caring for the people of God and work with them in the oversight of the church. As a chief pastor you are to share with your fellow Bishops a special responsibility to maintain and further the unity of the church and particularly be a focus of unity in the Chaplaincy”
The ceremony was attended by service commanders and addressed by the minister for Defence Njenga Karume. |
