January 3, 2008
Dear Kenyan Friends and Friends of Kenya,
You may have heard that there is a terrible outbreak of violence in Kenya in the wake of the most closely contested election in Kenya’s history. So far probably 300 have been killed. In Eldoret, about fifty were burned to death when an Assembly of God church containing people seeking refuge was set on fire.
I was able to speak with the Archbishop. He and Mama Alice were in good spirits despite the fact that they were unable to leave the house because the streets are so dangerous. He has also been battling malaria, but is feeling better today.
Bishop Murdoch and I are asking that you please re-double your prayers for the Archbishop and for Kenya that peace would prevail. ABp Nzimbi confirmed that the overwhelming majority of Kenyans want peace.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Bill Atwood
Suffragan Bishop for International Affairs
All Saints Cathedral Diocese, Nairobi
Anglican Church of Kenya
So terrible. Please let us pray!
I have been listening to the BBC World Service coverage. On the evening of the attack on the Eldoret church they broadcast a telephone appeal from a mother sheltering with her children in an orphanage praying that the organised gangs who had arrived by bus did not attack them. Other reports are that the the massacres are systematic and organised and targeted against the President’s Kikuyu tribe and other tribes as well.
The following day there was an interview in the evening from Nairobi with a government minister and an opposition leader; the opposition leader stated that they were opposed to the violence.
I believe there have been another 2 attacks on churches reported – Somebody is organising this violence.
Prayers for the parties to talk rather than murder and for protection for the churches and people of Kenya.
I live in Kenya and can tell you with most certainty that the violence is not organized. The election has been a catalyst for the violence that has been brewing for at least 40 years. A vast majority of people here truly want peace, but a small minority of thugs are using this opportunity to settle scores and seek revenge. Unfortunately, the damage they are doing — if not stopped soon — could soon be unstoppable. Furthermore, the police aren’t distinguishing between the people who want peace and those who don’t. They are firing at everyone who is in their way. Please pray that the hand of God is with all in this country right now and that peace is soon restored.
Lord, please bring your peace to Kenya. Please open eyes of those who desire violence that their true hope is in you and not who is in power of the government.
#3 Noted – thankyou
With prayers