Press Releases

Update: Churches affected in political unrest in Kenya

The political crisis in Kenya continues as incumbent President Mwai Kibaki and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) opposition leader Raila Odinga vie for power after the contested presidential elections on December 27, 2007. 

The crisis, however, extends well beyond political contentions.  Communities are suffering greatly because of mob violence.  The “cycle of retaliation” between politically opposed groups of people has perpetuated ethnic violence that is affecting the whole country.  Since the election, over 250,000 people have been displaced, and over 900 have been killed.  On Tuesday morning, ODM Member of Parliament Mugabe Ware was shot dead inciting new levels of rioting and violence.

As former United Nations chief Kofi Annan calls for mediated negotiations between political leaders, the church is responding to the needs of people in the communities and cities most affected.  Nazarene pastors, leaders, and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries staff have organized to distribute food to 11,000 people in cities in Western Kenya such as Kisumu and Eldoret. 

Nazarenes distributed staple foods such as maize and beans – commodities that have become unavailable or too expensive in many areas.  Many of the people who have received food are those whose houses have been burned down or who have been forced to leave their homes because of the violence.  These families worry that potential drought might make food scarcer and that they will not have enough money to purchase high-priced food items.

In the distribution, the Church of the Nazarene has paid special attention to the children in the NCM Orphans and Vulnerable Children program in Western Kenya by providing them with a nutritional mix of maize and soybeans. 

They have also assisted congregations around the city of Nakuru that have been severely affected by the violence.  Field Strategy Coordinator Rev. Don Gardner reported on Sunday that over 100 people had been camping at one of the Nazarene church buildings in Nakuru since Friday without any food.  People have not left the church compound for fear of their lives.  All the houses and buildings surrounding the church have been destroyed or burned.  Rev. Emmanuel Wafula, District Superintendent of the Kenya Rift Valley District, went to Nairobi for the district assembly but was not able to return home to his family in Nakuru because of the violence taking place on the roads between these major Kenyan cities.

“We are joining with our sisters and brothers who are fearful and in a time of great trial,” World Mission Director Dr. Louie E. Bustle said. “Pray that our churches and church leaders would find strength in God and in each other.”

The situation for people in Kenya remains desperate.  Please continue to pray for the body of Christ.  Pray that God will bring peace, that people in the church would continue to care for each other regardless of political/ethnic affiliation, and that those who have been displaced will be cared for and able to return home safely.

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “Kenya Unrest ACM1199” and mail them to Global Treasury Services, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30,2008

• On-line using VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express
• OR In the US, make checks payable to: General Treasurer
• and mail to:
  General Treasurer
  6401 The Paseo
  Kansas City, MO 64131
• In Canada, make checks payable to: Church of the Nazarene
• and mail to:
  Church of the Nazarene Canada
  20 Regan Road, Unit 9
  Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3

All donations remitted through NCM and the General Treasurers Office will receive 10% Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.

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