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Kenya: Scontri a Kibera (Nairobi) disperata la situazione negli slum di Nairobi |
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Kenya: Scontri a Kibera (Nairobi) disperata la situazione negli slum di Nairobi |
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Kenya:
P. Zanotelli, "disperata la situazione negli slum di Nairobi"
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fonte http://www.misna.org
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From: Catholic Information Service Africa [mailto:cisa@wananchi.com]
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2001 6:00 PM To: Recipient list suppressed Subject: CISA 069 -c 10122001
CATHOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE FOR AFRICA
(CISA)
(CONTENTS: Political Violence in Kenya)<cisa@wananchi.com> Issue No. 69 -c, Monday, December 10th , 2001 ------------------------------------ Human Rights Network Say No to Impunity Religious Organisations in Kenya Speak Out (Press Statement) ------------------ KENYA: Human Rights Network Say No to Impunity The Kenya Human Rights Network on Monday said no to the culture of impunity, which has seen perpetrators of violations of human rights in the country remain un-prosecuted. The Network, in a symposium held in the capital, Nairobi, discussed ways to start the process of healing and reconciliation of the nation. Addressing the symposium, Ms Berewa Jommo, the coordinator of the African Community Education Network, said that the process requires of those responsible to acknowledge their mistake and agree to the process of restitution before healing and national reconstruction could begin. Kenya's leaders have yet to admit there is a problem in the first place. The common trend is that of shifting blame. Participants heard how tribalism has been so harped on in Kenya by leaders that even urban areas have lost their shades of being metropolitan. Leaders have succeeded in some ways getting Kenyans to think tribally. It was noted that with clashes extended to Nairobi, the seat of government, is a move with serious implications. Clashes were always "out there", and all these years many people did not feel that they were supposed to do anything. Suddenly, at the end of the first year of the third millennium, Kenyans are sprung to wakefulness, with the latest cancer baring its head in the city's biggest slum, Kibera, where twenty people have lost their lives in the past week. Many women and girls were raped, and property lost. Kibera is home to the Nairobi's poorest. Last week's clashes in the coastal district of Tana River claimed 60 lives, and left hundreds of houses burnt down. Nobody has been charged with these clashes that have gone on for close to a year now. Participants noted that the task ahead is difficult, in a nation so polarised in various spheres: inter-tribes, between young and old leaders, rural-urban, rich and poor, and between developed and non-developed regions of the country. Some consider themselves outside "Kenya." At the close of the symposium, participants charted the way forward. This includes building strong network with the grassroots and participating in the ongoing constitutional review process. The symposium was one of the events organised by the Kenya Human Rights Network to mark Human Rights Day 2001.
RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS IN KENYA
Having observed the rising tension in Kenya, especially what has recently been
happening in Kibera slum of Nairobi and the escalating ethnic skirmishes in Tana
River District, and driven by the desire to see a peaceful nation, we the
undersigned religious groups in Kenya, hereby do state as follows:Press Conference December 10th, 2001 TANA RIVER AND KIBERA SKIRMISHES That the effects of conflicts, violence and insecurity to the country are well known. They enhance human sufferings, destroy the economy and greatly reduce the investor confidence. We the religious groups therefore denounce in the strongest terms the violence being spread in some parts of the country. While we note with appreciation that there has been reduced incidents of violence in Kibera for the last four days, we regret that at least 15 people have died in the skirmishes and an estimated 700,000 people population of 10 villages of Kibera slums namely Soweto, Mashimoni, Silanga, Makina, Lindi, Kisumu Ndogo, Kianda, Laini Saba, Gatuikira and Gatekera, still live in fear and suspicion of one another. Consequently, many people displaced during the weeklong violence have not returned to their houses. The said people are now camping in churches, mosques, the Kibera D.O.'s office, with relatives and friends. This, in our view is a clear demonstration that issues leading to the eruption and escalation of the violence in the city are yet to be resolved. While we commend the Government for moving in to stop the skirmishes, we regret that the heavy presence of the security has not stopped people from streaming out of the troubled zone. In fact in some cases, the presence of the security in itself has made many people run away fearing that they would be subjected to inhuman treatment. It is in view of the prevailing situation that we urge the government and the politicians to urgently facilitate the process of reconciliation, which is exhaustive and inclusive to enable the warring parties to arrive at an amicable solution to the problem. This process should be devoid of political or any other form of manipulation. As a way forward, we call upon the religious communities and other organizations working in the area to offer their expertise and material assistance towards finding a lasting solution to this conflict. Although the skirmishes in Kibera were sparked off by a political statement regarding alleged high rent, it appears the underlying issue behind the skirmishes is land distribution/ownership. As regards Tana River, our findings are that the factors behind the skirmishes are lack of proper distribution of resources, namely, land and water, political incitement, entry of sophisticated firearms and their usage by the warring communities. Considering the heavy human and material loss so far incurred, we appeal for immediate measures to be taken to restore law and order. We recommend the following measures:
§ Conclusion In conclusion we call upon all the people holding responsible public positions to be careful of their pronouncements. Unless such pronouncements are made for the good of the public, they should be completely withheld. We would indeed prefer well-articulated, clear policy on all national matters to public directives. Secondly, since we have as a country chosen to adopt a liberalized form of economy we must respect that form, or openly and in agreement choose another model. Meanwhile, it is improper to interfere with the private sector selectively. We hope that all Kenyans of goodwill can safeguard and promote human rights of all the people in the country. Signed at Nairobi 10th day of December 2001, Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC) National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK) Hindu Council of Kenya Muslim Consultative Council Organization of Africa Instituted Churches (OAIC) Spreading news of the Catholic Church from Africa, to Africa and for Africa through E-Mail Do you have news, a report, statement, speech, document, press release or a new address? Please let us know. <cisa@wananchi.com> Phone Number: 254 2 445057 Provisional Postal Address: P.O. Box 14861 - Nairobi, Kenya
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-----Original Message-----
CATHOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE FOR AFRICA
(CISA)
KENYA: Ten Killed, Many Injured in Nairobi Fight<cisa@wananchi.com> Issue No. 68 -c, Wednesday, December 5th, 2001 ------------------------------------ At least ten people have been killed in violence in Nairobi's largest slum, Kibera. Scores of people have been injured, with many suffering deep cuts. Houses and other property have been looted and burnt. The fight that started as a rent issue on Sunday November 25th soon took political, ethnic and religious angles. Initially, tenants turned against their landladies and landlords, with the former refusing to pay rent, and demanding that the latter lower their rates. The tenants refuse to pay rent on the strength of President Moi's call for lower rents in the area. On November 31st, 2001, President Daniel arap Moi, while addressing a public meeting within Kibera, directed the Commissioner of Lands and the Nairobi Provincial Commissioner (PC) Mr Cyrus Maina to resolve the land problem and resettle squatters somewhere else. After a few days the PC, convened a meeting with the landlords but he was stoned, and had to be rescued. On Monday, December 3rd, 2001, the local Member of Parliament, Mr Raila Odinga visited the area and addressed his constituents, insisting that house rents in the slum must be reduced. He charged that the 'landlords' had actually built on government land. Families have been displaced. Some have moved elsewhere in the city, many are camped in various places of refuge. Hundreds were camped in the compound of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish in Adam's Arcade, from where the Father-in-Charge, Fr Roman Orta, sends out appeal for food. Mr Josephat Mmasi, an official of the Justice and Peace Commission at the parish told CISA that he counted eleven bodies on Tuesday, and four on Wednesday morning. On his part, police spokesman Mr Peter Kimanthi, told CISA on Wednesday that the casualty figure is five. He said that the situation was "getting better", adding that "we are doing everything possible to bring back peace." He dismissed media reports that the skirmishes had assumed religious and political angles as a creation of newspapers in order to sell. He told CISA it is inhuman to brew or fuel trouble that can lead to the loss of life and destruction or property. Brothers Rubi and Charles, of the Missionaries of Charity (Brothers), who run an informal school and feeding program for 600 children told CISA that the school was forced to close (prematurely) on Tuesday, since most of the parents were relocating. Police fired tear gas to flush out people who had sought refuge in the Missionaries of Charity (Sisters') compound nearby. CISA received reports that a church was burnt on Wednesday, but Mr Kimanthi said he did not have the information. The only health facility in Kibera was partly burnt. Pews and other property at St Thomas Catholic Church (a Mass Centre of Guadalupe Parish) were burnt or destroyed. Mr Mmasi said security personnel deployed in the slum were clobbering anyone they came across. There have been claims of rape of women and girls by the officers sent in to restore order. Kibera, one of Africa's biggest slums, is home to more than 700 000 people, and comprisies 14 villages. Hundreds of their shanties have been burnt down, especially in Lindi, Mashimoni, Gatwikira and Soweto villages. The original inhabitants of that part of Kibera were returnees from World War II, mainly from Nuba in Southern Sudan, who were settled there by the British after fighting on their side. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) told CISA on Wednesday that they were seeking permission from the police for an interfaith peace march scheduled for Thursday December 6 at the city's Uhuru Park. The objective of the march and prayer service is to highlight the severe insecurity Kenya faces presently. A KHRC official told CISA that "clashes are going on in Laikipia, Gucha and Tana River Districts, with little being reported about them." She said the Commission feared these might "erupt to proportions we will not be able to handle." She said, as many observers have, that politicians are involved in these incidents, as has been in the past, politicians who enjoy state protection. An report compiled by a commission formed to probe the clashes that claimed thousands of lives and destruction of property in 1992 and 1997 has never been released, despite appeals by churches and other human rights organizations.
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From: Catholic Information Service Africa [mailto:cisa@wananchi.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2001 5:58 PM To: Recipient list suppressed Subject: CISA 068 -e 06122001 Nairobi Slum Clashes
CATHOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE FOR AFRICA
(CISA)
CONTENTS<cisa@wananchi.com> Issue No. 68 -e, Thursday, December 6th, 2001 ------------------------------------ KENYA: Interfaith Prayers and a March for Peace Held in Nairobi Kibera Interfaith Peace Initiative Committee -Press Statement Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi -Press Release ------------ KENYA: Interfaith Prayers and a March for Peace Held in Nairobi Following the violence that left at least twenty people dead in Nairobi this week, the Kenya Human Rights Network (KHRN) has called for end to the culture of impunity. In a peace march and interfaith prayers held in the city's Uhuru Park on Thursday, speakers appealed to Kenya's leaders to restore calm in all the troubled areas of the country. Shekh Juma Ngao of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) urged Kenya's government to transform its way of leading the country, and put an end to all discrimination be it that of tribe, color or religion. He lamented the trend of bloodshed that has come to precede every general election. Participants urged Kenyans to say not to impunity, affirming that, "one life lost is worth so many lives." They noted with concern that no one has ever been prosecuted for the clashes that have continued to claim innocent lives since 1992, and yet perpetrators are known. Various faiths and human rights organizations were represented at that campaign against impunity, which concluded with the planting of trees at the Park's Freedom Corner, in memory of all those who lost their lives, livelihood and property, or were abused or maimed in clashes during the past ten years in Kenya. Many displaced people are still camped under polythene shelters on the roadside since 1992, still not resettled. Later on Thursday, religious leaders were reportedly holding a high level meeting in the city. They included His Grace Raphael Ndingi, Archbishop of Nairobi and Rev Mutava Musyimi, the Secretary General of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). The clashes in Kibera started last Sunday, and have been attributed to a presidential directive that landlords lower their rents in Nairobi's biggest slum. Police maintain that not more than seven people have died. The KHRN has planned activities marking the International Human Rights Day 2001. On Friday they will have a human rights photo exhibition, followed by a human rights road show Sunday. For the morning of Monday 10th, they have planned a symposium, with an evening of theatrical presentations at the National Theatre, Nairobi. For details on these, please contact Kenya Human Rights Commission <admin@khrc.or.ke>
KIBERA INTERFAITH PEACE INITIATIVE COMMITTEE
As the Kibera Interfaith Peace Initiative Committee in collaboration with
PeaceNet, Amani Ya Mungu, Kibera Youth Program for Peace and Development,
Nairobi Peace Initiative, Chem Chem ya Ukweli, Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi,
Pamoja Trust, ANPPCCAN, Upinde wa Mungu Trust, Oxfam, KHRC, Christ the King
Catholic Church, Anglican Holy Trinity Parish, Maji na Ufanisi wish to condemn
the clashes in Kibera in the strongest terms possible.PRESS STATEMENT Thursday, December 6, 2001 Kibera houses over 700,000 of our brothers and sisters. As religious leaders and members of the civil society we wish to appeal to all stakeholders to seek reconciliation and permanent solution to the problem affecting this section of the society. Towards this end we wish to make the following appeals: 1. 2. 3. The clashes in Kibera touches on each and every one of us. Therefore the interfaith committee appeals to government institutions, non-governmental organisations, other religious bodies, corporate organizations and individuals to lend a helping hand in whatever way possible. The interfaith committed has identified the following emergency requirements: q q q q The following centres have been established as collection points for any relief assistance: v v v At this point we would like to equally recognize and acknowledge with thanks and all practises that have responded fast in providing support and assistance to the residents of Kibera. We remain in prayer as the Holy Quran says in Sura Yasin the Peace is from Allah, and Allah emphasizes that we should cherish and practice peace all times. Biblically in Chronicles 7:13-14 "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves in prayer and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sins and heal their land". According to James 5:16 "Confess your forgiveness to one another, pray for one another." Signed by: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Contacts: SUPKEM <ncep@supkem.co.ke>; Archdiocese of Nairobi <arch-nbo@wananchi.com> KIBERA INTERFAITH PEACE INITIATIVE COMMITTEE PRESS STATEMENT CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI PRESS RELEASE Wednesday, December 5, 2001 The violence that has rocked Kibera over the past few days since the President and the Minister of Energy Raila Odinga ordered that rents be reduced, is reminisce of the tribal clashes that rocked parts of Rift Valley, Western Nzanza and Coast Province in the 1990s. One cannot fail to notice the predictable pattern that has preceded all these ugly incidents, first careless political utterances, and then the violence. It is also no longer strange to Kenyans and the world that these confrontations always happen when the country is going into a General Election. Lives have been lost and property that has taken great effort and sacrifice to acquire has gone up in smoke. Children, women, the elderly and men have been rendered homeless, others are now orphans, widows and widowers, all because of disturbances that could have been avoided had it not been for the careless utterances and orders issued by the President and Mr. Odinga. These two are wholly to blame for the deaths, the maiming and the destruction that Kibera is now witnessing. Clearly Mr. Odinga's heart and spirit are no longer in Kibera. We all recall that when he was elevated to the cabinet, he chooses to go and celebrate with his kinsmen in Nyanza and completely forgot the Langata Constituents who elected him to parliament. If he really cared for the welfare of all Kibera residents be they tenants or landlords he should have been the first one to seek an amicable solution to the standoff instead of taking sides and issuing utterances he very well knows are meant to incite. It is painful that the head of state who has solemnly sworn to protect the lives and property of all Kenyans without fear or favour, is now not ready to go back to Kibera and put out the fire he lit. The president has persistently reminded Kenyans to be mindful of the other people's welfare, mainly women and children who in times of chaos are the most vulnerable. Has he forgotten that even Kibera has women and children? Is he oblivious of their cries of anguish caused by the fire he lit? We in the Catholic Church are concerned by the numerous contradicting utterances that the president has continued to make. The most recent are his orders on schools fees for Primary Schools. This then explains why mere chiefs, Dos, DCs, and PCs cannot contain the Kibera skirmishes. Only the President and the area Member of Parliament can avert further loss of life and destruction of property. A careless utterance can wreak havoc and this is evident in the Kibera violence, but the same words uttered with extra caution, are a blessing. This is our challenge for the President and Mr. Odinga. The next General Election is round the corner and if what is happening in Kibera is anything to go by, an ominous cloud then hangs over Kenya. If the violence is what the merger between KANU and NDP has in store for Kenyans, then only divine intervention can save the Nation. Let us break away from that predictable cycle that has always been precursor to the polls since the introduction of multipartyism. The challenge is on the President that as he prepares the country for transition the violence in Kibera, Tana River and the past clashes do not become key to his legacy. We urge Police Commissioner Philemon Abongo to pluck enough courage and arrest the inciters of the Kibera rent war instead of terrorizing poor and innocent slum dwellers. Slums are the major dwellings for a majority of the city residents and if our leaders do not move fast on Kibera, we fear violence could easily spread. Our lawmakers should also feel challenged by Kibera and draw up policies and laws that will ensure planned development of such settlements and at the same time protect the interest of all the landlords and the tenants. Ends Rev. Fr. Ndikaru Wa Teresia Communications Co-Ordinator, Archdiocese of Nairobi <arch-nbo@wananchi.com> Spreading news of the Catholic Church from Africa, to Africa and for Africa through E-Mail Do you have news, a report, statement, speech, document, press release or a new address? Please let us know. <cisa@wananchi.com> Phone Number: 254 2 445057 Provisional Postal Address: P.O. Box 14861 - Nairobi, Kenya
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| Kenya:
Scontri a Kebera (Nairobi), tensione ancora alta - Staff
sito 12/4/2001, 9:26 pm Africa: Liberons la paix, appello per la costruzione della pace - Staff sito 12/11/2001, 11:18 am |
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| Jambo!!!
Quelle che qui inseriamo sono le lettere di p. Daniele Moschetti.Tanti di voi lo conosceranno perchè in questi anni in Italia si è occupato insieme con Mosè del GIM qui in Italia e in quest'ultimo anno anche di questo sito www.giovaniemissione.it |
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Posted by
Staff sito
on
12/4/2001, 9:26 pm
Link: http://www.misna.org
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From: Catholic Information Service Africa [mailto:cisa@wananchi.com]
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2001 6:00 PM To: Recipient list suppressed Subject: CISA 069 -c 10122001
CATHOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE FOR AFRICA
(CISA)
(CONTENTS: Political Violence in Kenya)<cisa@wananchi.com> Issue No. 69 -c, Monday, December 10th , 2001 ------------------------------------ Human Rights Network Say No to Impunity Religious Organisations in Kenya Speak Out (Press Statement) ------------------ KENYA: Human Rights Network Say No to Impunity The Kenya Human Rights Network on Monday said no to the culture of impunity, which has seen perpetrators of violations of human rights in the country remain un-prosecuted. The Network, in a symposium held in the capital, Nairobi, discussed ways to start the process of healing and reconciliation of the nation. Addressing the symposium, Ms Berewa Jommo, the coordinator of the African Community Education Network, said that the process requires of those responsible to acknowledge their mistake and agree to the process of restitution before healing and national reconstruction could begin. Kenya's leaders have yet to admit there is a problem in the first place. The common trend is that of shifting blame. Participants heard how tribalism has been so harped on in Kenya by leaders that even urban areas have lost their shades of being metropolitan. Leaders have succeeded in some ways getting Kenyans to think tribally. It was noted that with clashes extended to Nairobi, the seat of government, is a move with serious implications. Clashes were always "out there", and all these years many people did not feel that they were supposed to do anything. Suddenly, at the end of the first year of the third millennium, Kenyans are sprung to wakefulness, with the latest cancer baring its head in the city's biggest slum, Kibera, where twenty people have lost their lives in the past week. Many women and girls were raped, and property lost. Kibera is home to the Nairobi's poorest. Last week's clashes in the coastal district of Tana River claimed 60 lives, and left hundreds of houses burnt down. Nobody has been charged with these clashes that have gone on for close to a year now. Participants noted that the task ahead is difficult, in a nation so polarised in various spheres: inter-tribes, between young and old leaders, rural-urban, rich and poor, and between developed and non-developed regions of the country. Some consider themselves outside "Kenya." At the close of the symposium, participants charted the way forward. This includes building strong network with the grassroots and participating in the ongoing constitutional review process. The symposium was one of the events organised by the Kenya Human Rights Network to mark Human Rights Day 2001.
RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS IN KENYA
Having observed the rising tension in Kenya, especially what has recently been
happening in Kibera slum of Nairobi and the escalating ethnic skirmishes in Tana
River District, and driven by the desire to see a peaceful nation, we the
undersigned religious groups in Kenya, hereby do state as follows:Press Conference December 10th, 2001 TANA RIVER AND KIBERA SKIRMISHES That the effects of conflicts, violence and insecurity to the country are well known. They enhance human sufferings, destroy the economy and greatly reduce the investor confidence. We the religious groups therefore denounce in the strongest terms the violence being spread in some parts of the country. While we note with appreciation that there has been reduced incidents of violence in Kibera for the last four days, we regret that at least 15 people have died in the skirmishes and an estimated 700,000 people population of 10 villages of Kibera slums namely Soweto, Mashimoni, Silanga, Makina, Lindi, Kisumu Ndogo, Kianda, Laini Saba, Gatuikira and Gatekera, still live in fear and suspicion of one another. Consequently, many people displaced during the weeklong violence have not returned to their houses. The said people are now camping in churches, mosques, the Kibera D.O.'s office, with relatives and friends. This, in our view is a clear demonstration that issues leading to the eruption and escalation of the violence in the city are yet to be resolved. While we commend the Government for moving in to stop the skirmishes, we regret that the heavy presence of the security has not stopped people from streaming out of the troubled zone. In fact in some cases, the presence of the security in itself has made many people run away fearing that they would be subjected to inhuman treatment. It is in view of the prevailing situation that we urge the government and the politicians to urgently facilitate the process of reconciliation, which is exhaustive and inclusive to enable the warring parties to arrive at an amicable solution to the problem. This process should be devoid of political or any other form of manipulation. As a way forward, we call upon the religious communities and other organizations working in the area to offer their expertise and material assistance towards finding a lasting solution to this conflict. Although the skirmishes in Kibera were sparked off by a political statement regarding alleged high rent, it appears the underlying issue behind the skirmishes is land distribution/ownership. As regards Tana River, our findings are that the factors behind the skirmishes are lack of proper distribution of resources, namely, land and water, political incitement, entry of sophisticated firearms and their usage by the warring communities. Considering the heavy human and material loss so far incurred, we appeal for immediate measures to be taken to restore law and order. We recommend the following measures:
§ Conclusion In conclusion we call upon all the people holding responsible public positions to be careful of their pronouncements. Unless such pronouncements are made for the good of the public, they should be completely withheld. We would indeed prefer well-articulated, clear policy on all national matters to public directives. Secondly, since we have as a country chosen to adopt a liberalized form of economy we must respect that form, or openly and in agreement choose another model. Meanwhile, it is improper to interfere with the private sector selectively. We hope that all Kenyans of goodwill can safeguard and promote human rights of all the people in the country. Signed at Nairobi 10th day of December 2001, Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC) National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK) Hindu Council of Kenya Muslim Consultative Council Organization of Africa Instituted Churches (OAIC) Spreading news of the Catholic Church from Africa, to Africa and for Africa through E-Mail Do you have news, a report, statement, speech, document, press release or a new address? Please let us know. <cisa@wananchi.com> Phone Number: 254 2 445057 Provisional Postal Address: P.O. Box 14861 - Nairobi, Kenya
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-----Original Message-----
From: Catholic Information Service Africa [mailto:cisa@wananchi.com] Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2001 5:02 PM To: Recipient list suppressed Subject: CISA 068 -c 05122001 Ten Killed, Many Injured in Nairobi Fight
CATHOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE FOR AFRICA
(CISA)
KENYA: Ten Killed, Many Injured in Nairobi Fight<cisa@wananchi.com> Issue No. 68 -c, Wednesday, December 5th, 2001 ------------------------------------ At least ten people have been killed in violence in Nairobi's largest slum, Kibera. Scores of people have been injured, with many suffering deep cuts. Houses and other property have been looted and burnt. The fight that started as a rent issue on Sunday November 25th soon took political, ethnic and religious angles. Initially, tenants turned against their landladies and landlords, with the former refusing to pay rent, and demanding that the latter lower their rates. The tenants refuse to pay rent on the strength of President Moi's call for lower rents in the area. On November 31st, 2001, President Daniel arap Moi, while addressing a public meeting within Kibera, directed the Commissioner of Lands and the Nairobi Provincial Commissioner (PC) Mr Cyrus Maina to resolve the land problem and resettle squatters somewhere else. After a few days the PC, convened a meeting with the landlords but he was stoned, and had to be rescued. On Monday, December 3rd, 2001, the local Member of Parliament, Mr Raila Odinga visited the area and addressed his constituents, insisting that house rents in the slum must be reduced. He charged that the 'landlords' had actually built on government land. Families have been displaced. Some have moved elsewhere in the city, many are camped in various places of refuge. Hundreds were camped in the compound of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish in Adam's Arcade, from where the Father-in-Charge, Fr Roman Orta, sends out appeal for food. Mr Josephat Mmasi, an official of the Justice and Peace Commission at the parish told CISA that he counted eleven bodies on Tuesday, and four on Wednesday morning. On his part, police spokesman Mr Peter Kimanthi, told CISA on Wednesday that the casualty figure is five. He said that the situation was "getting better", adding that "we are doing everything possible to bring back peace." He dismissed media reports that the skirmishes had assumed religious and political angles as a creation of newspapers in order to sell. He told CISA it is inhuman to brew or fuel trouble that can lead to the loss of life and destruction or property. Brothers Rubi and Charles, of the Missionaries of Charity (Brothers), who run an informal school and feeding program for 600 children told CISA that the school was forced to close (prematurely) on Tuesday, since most of the parents were relocating. Police fired tear gas to flush out people who had sought refuge in the Missionaries of Charity (Sisters') compound nearby. CISA received reports that a church was burnt on Wednesday, but Mr Kimanthi said he did not have the information. The only health facility in Kibera was partly burnt. Pews and other property at St Thomas Catholic Church (a Mass Centre of Guadalupe Parish) were burnt or destroyed. Mr Mmasi said security personnel deployed in the slum were clobbering anyone they came across. There have been claims of rape of women and girls by the officers sent in to restore order. Kibera, one of Africa's biggest slums, is home to more than 700 000 people, and comprisies 14 villages. Hundreds of their shanties have been burnt down, especially in Lindi, Mashimoni, Gatwikira and Soweto villages. The original inhabitants of that part of Kibera were returnees from World War II, mainly from Nuba in Southern Sudan, who were settled there by the British after fighting on their side. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) told CISA on Wednesday that they were seeking permission from the police for an interfaith peace march scheduled for Thursday December 6 at the city's Uhuru Park. The objective of the march and prayer service is to highlight the severe insecurity Kenya faces presently. A KHRC official told CISA that "clashes are going on in Laikipia, Gucha and Tana River Districts, with little being reported about them." She said the Commission feared these might "erupt to proportions we will not be able to handle." She said, as many observers have, that politicians are involved in these incidents, as has been in the past, politicians who enjoy state protection. An report compiled by a commission formed to probe the clashes that claimed thousands of lives and destruction of property in 1992 and 1997 has never been released, despite appeals by churches and other human rights organizations. Spreading news of the Catholic Church from Africa, to Africa and for Africa through E-Mail Do you have news, a report, statement, speech, document, press release or a new address? Please let us know. <cisa@wananchi.com> Phone Number: 254 2 445057 Provisional Postal Address: P.O. Box 14861 - Nairobi, Kenya
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From: Catholic Information Service Africa [mailto:cisa@wananchi.com]
CATHOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE FOR AFRICA
(CISA)
CONTENTS<cisa@wananchi.com> Issue No. 68 -e, Thursday, December 6th, 2001 ------------------------------------ KENYA: Interfaith Prayers and a March for Peace Held in Nairobi Kibera Interfaith Peace Initiative Committee -Press Statement Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi -Press Release ------------ KENYA: Interfaith Prayers and a March for Peace Held in Nairobi Following the violence that left at least twenty people dead in Nairobi this week, the Kenya Human Rights Network (KHRN) has called for end to the culture of impunity. In a peace march and interfaith prayers held in the city's Uhuru Park on Thursday, speakers appealed to Kenya's leaders to restore calm in all the troubled areas of the country. Shekh Juma Ngao of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) urged Kenya's government to transform its way of leading the country, and put an end to all discrimination be it that of tribe, color or religion. He lamented the trend of bloodshed that has come to precede every general election. Participants urged Kenyans to say not to impunity, affirming that, "one life lost is worth so many lives." They noted with concern that no one has ever been prosecuted for the clashes that have continued to claim innocent lives since 1992, and yet perpetrators are known. Various faiths and human rights organizations were represented at that campaign against impunity, which concluded with the planting of trees at the Park's Freedom Corner, in memory of all those who lost their lives, livelihood and property, or were abused or maimed in clashes during the past ten years in Kenya. Many displaced people are still camped under polythene shelters on the roadside since 1992, still not resettled. Later on Thursday, religious leaders were reportedly holding a high level meeting in the city. They included His Grace Raphael Ndingi, Archbishop of Nairobi and Rev Mutava Musyimi, the Secretary General of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). The clashes in Kibera started last Sunday, and have been attributed to a presidential directive that landlords lower their rents in Nairobi's biggest slum. Police maintain that not more than seven people have died. The KHRN has planned activities marking the International Human Rights Day 2001. On Friday they will have a human rights photo exhibition, followed by a human rights road show Sunday. For the morning of Monday 10th, they have planned a symposium, with an evening of theatrical presentations at the National Theatre, Nairobi. For details on these, please contact Kenya Human Rights Commission <admin@khrc.or.ke>
KIBERA INTERFAITH PEACE INITIATIVE COMMITTEE
As the Kibera Interfaith Peace Initiative Committee in collaboration with
PeaceNet, Amani Ya Mungu, Kibera Youth Program for Peace and Development,
Nairobi Peace Initiative, Chem Chem ya Ukweli, Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi,
Pamoja Trust, ANPPCCAN, Upinde wa Mungu Trust, Oxfam, KHRC, Christ the King
Catholic Church, Anglican Holy Trinity Parish, Maji na Ufanisi wish to condemn
the clashes in Kibera in the strongest terms possible.PRESS STATEMENT Thursday, December 6, 2001 Kibera houses over 700,000 of our brothers and sisters. As religious leaders and members of the civil society we wish to appeal to all stakeholders to seek reconciliation and permanent solution to the problem affecting this section of the society. Towards this end we wish to make the following appeals: 1. 2. 3. The clashes in Kibera touches on each and every one of us. Therefore the interfaith committee appeals to government institutions, non-governmental organisations, other religious bodies, corporate organizations and individuals to lend a helping hand in whatever way possible. The interfaith committed has identified the following emergency requirements: q q q q The following centres have been established as collection points for any relief assistance: v v v At this point we would like to equally recognize and acknowledge with thanks and all practises that have responded fast in providing support and assistance to the residents of Kibera. We remain in prayer as the Holy Quran says in Sura Yasin the Peace is from Allah, and Allah emphasizes that we should cherish and practice peace all times. Biblically in Chronicles 7:13-14 "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves in prayer and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sins and heal their land". According to James 5:16 "Confess your forgiveness to one another, pray for one another." Signed by: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Contacts: SUPKEM <ncep@supkem.co.ke>; Archdiocese of Nairobi <arch-nbo@wananchi.com> KIBERA INTERFAITH PEACE INITIATIVE COMMITTEE PRESS STATEMENT CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI PRESS RELEASE Wednesday, December 5, 2001 The violence that has rocked Kibera over the past few days since the President and the Minister of Energy Raila Odinga ordered that rents be reduced, is reminisce of the tribal clashes that rocked parts of Rift Valley, Western Nzanza and Coast Province in the 1990s. One cannot fail to notice the predictable pattern that has preceded all these ugly incidents, first careless political utterances, and then the violence. It is also no longer strange to Kenyans and the world that these confrontations always happen when the country is going into a General Election. Lives have been lost and property that has taken great effort and sacrifice to acquire has gone up in smoke. Children, women, the elderly and men have been rendered homeless, others are now orphans, widows and widowers, all because of disturbances that could have been avoided had it not been for the careless utterances and orders issued by the President and Mr. Odinga. These two are wholly to blame for the deaths, the maiming and the destruction that Kibera is now witnessing. Clearly Mr. Odinga's heart and spirit are no longer in Kibera. We all recall that when he was elevated to the cabinet, he chooses to go and celebrate with his kinsmen in Nyanza and completely forgot the Langata Constituents who elected him to parliament. If he really cared for the welfare of all Kibera residents be they tenants or landlords he should have been the first one to seek an amicable solution to the standoff instead of taking sides and issuing utterances he very well knows are meant to incite. It is painful that the head of state who has solemnly sworn to protect the lives and property of all Kenyans without fear or favour, is now not ready to go back to Kibera and put out the fire he lit. The president has persistently reminded Kenyans to be mindful of the other people's welfare, mainly women and children who in times of chaos are the most vulnerable. Has he forgotten that even Kibera has women and children? Is he oblivious of their cries of anguish caused by the fire he lit? We in the Catholic Church are concerned by the numerous contradicting utterances that the president has continued to make. The most recent are his orders on schools fees for Primary Schools. This then explains why mere chiefs, Dos, DCs, and PCs cannot contain the Kibera skirmishes. Only the President and the area Member of Parliament can avert further loss of life and destruction of property. A careless utterance can wreak havoc and this is evident in the Kibera violence, but the same words uttered with extra caution, are a blessing. This is our challenge for the President and Mr. Odinga. The next General Election is round the corner and if what is happening in Kibera is anything to go by, an ominous cloud then hangs over Kenya. If the violence is what the merger between KANU and NDP has in store for Kenyans, then only divine intervention can save the Nation. Let us break away from that predictable cycle that has always been precursor to the polls since the introduction of multipartyism. The challenge is on the President that as he prepares the country for transition the violence in Kibera, Tana River and the past clashes do not become key to his legacy. We urge Police Commissioner Philemon Abongo to pluck enough courage and arrest the inciters of the Kibera rent war instead of terrorizing poor and innocent slum dwellers. Slums are the major dwellings for a majority of the city residents and if our leaders do not move fast on Kibera, we fear violence could easily spread. Our lawmakers should also feel challenged by Kibera and draw up policies and laws that will ensure planned development of such settlements and at the same time protect the interest of all the landlords and the tenants. Ends Rev. Fr. Ndikaru Wa Teresia Communications Co-Ordinator, Archdiocese of Nairobi <arch-nbo@wananchi.com> Spreading news of the Catholic Church from Africa, to Africa and for Africa through E-Mail Do you have news, a report, statement, speech, document, press release or a new address? Please let us know. <cisa@wananchi.com> Phone Number: 254 2 445057 Provisional Postal Address: P.O. Box 14861 - Nairobi, Kenya
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