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January 03, 2008, Baltimore, MD
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As violence erupts across Kenya following
the Dec. 27 general elections, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is responding
with assistance to a growing number of people displaced by armed mobs, looters
and other violent groups. The agency immediately committed $50,000 for the
emergency response, money that will provide food and supplies to displaced
families and support the peace and conciliation efforts of the Kenyan Episcopal
Conference.
At least 300 people have been killed, and
the Kenyan Red Cross estimates the unrest displaced at least 70,000 people in
the Rift Valley alone. Many Kenyans are seeking refuge from the violence in
churches, police stations and other public compounds. Other families are holed
up in their homes, and will face dwindling supplies of food and water. Stores
have been looted, homes burned down, and hospitals report an overwhelming
influx of patients seeking care. Some communities have barricaded roads,
completely cutting off access to some towns and villages.
The violence exploded after Kenya's
electoral commission declared President Mwai Kibaki the winner of a closely
contested race with challenger Raila Odinga. Independent observers have raised
questions about possible irregularities in the vote tallies.
"This has become a humanitarian
crisis," said Ken MacLean, CRS' country representative in Kenya,
describing how one staff member's house was burned and others have had to flee
their homes. "The attacking and burning of homes continues. The number of
Kenyans affected by this violence will only escalate unless security is
restored."
The Kenyan Episcopal Conference called for
all Kenyans to refrain from violence, encouraged an investigation into claims
of electoral irregularities and appealed to political leaders - including incumbent
Kibaki and Odinga - to engage in dialogue.
"Kenya has always been an island of
peace and we pray and urge all Kenyans to take upon themselves to come out
clearly now to promote peace and safeguard our beloved Nation," the
conference said in a statement released on Jan. 2.
CRS will use $15,000 of its commitment to
provide food to affected families in the dioceses of Bungoma and Eldorat, where
50 people - including women and children - were burned to death while seeking
shelter in a Protestant church. Sister Caritas agencies, such as CAFOD and
Trocaire, are also assisting these regions with food and other supplies. CRS
will also coordinate with partner agencies, to continue to assess needs as the
humanitarian crisis unfolds.
Release date:
January 03, 2008
Contact:
Hilary Roxe
Communications Officer
Catholic Relief Services
Baltimore, MD
410-951-7408
hroxe@crs.org
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