The Catholic Church in Kenya has appealed to the international community to join hands with Kenya to ensure there is peace in Somalia.
Through a statement signed and issued Wednesday by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops chair Rt Rev Phillip Anyolo, the church through its bishops, has stated that it is only by restoring peace in the neighbouring country that Kenya will be guaranteed of its security.
‘The only way to guarantee our nation's security is help restore peace in our neighbour’s house. We call upon the international community to work with Kenya to help make this possible as soon as possible," read part of the statement.
While expressing their condolences to the family and friends of the soldiers who lost their loved ones in an al Shabaab attack in El Adde camp in Somalia, the clerics also wished the injured quick recovery, adding that they were also praying for those who had not been re-united by their families.
‘The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops wish to join fellow Kenyans in expressing our heartfelt condolences to families and friends who lost their loved ones in the line of duty, we wish quick recovery to those who have been injured and pray for those who have not been reunited with their families,’ added the statement.
The bishops also stated that they are in solidarity with the Kenya Defence Forces whose service to the country has caused them their lives, adding that they will support and pray for them.
The bishops have also asked Kenyans to support the families of those who lost their loved ones during this difficult moment stating that the blood shed by the soldiers should unite Kenyans.
‘We are in solidarity with our men and women in uniform who are serving in neighboring Somalia, and whose selfless service to our country has seen them pay the ultimate price in the line of duty. We assure them our prayers and support. We call upon all Kenyans to stand with bereaved families and friends of our fallen heroes during these difficult moments. Let the blood that our soldiers shed in Somalia bind us together as a Nation, with love, unity and solidarity,’ read part of the bishops’ statement.
The bishops also expressed hope that the soldiers will one day be reunited with their families also assuring Kenyans the president and Kenyans that they will support and pry for them during this trying time.
‘ We continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Somalia, who for decades have never known peace, that one day peace shall return back to the Country and its people. During this trying moment in our nation, we wish to assure the President who is also the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, our soldiers and all Kenyans, our prayers and support. ‘