By Boniface Manyala
Publication date: 1st February 2008

Women drawn from across the faith traditions on Friday 1st gathered in Nairobi to plead for peace and love to prevail in Kenya.

They said they were concerned about the post election violence and consequent aftermath that has rocked virtually all parts of the country. The chair of Kenya Women of Faith Network Ms. Anju Salini of the Hindu Council said no part of Kenya has been spared the pinch, “we are affected within our boarders and even beyond.

We mourn those Kenyans who have lost their lives and we plead that not one more life be lost.” She said, adding that life is a precious gift from God that should be appreciated, nurtured and protected. Ms. Salini further expressed her sympathy to the bereaved families, friends and colleagues.

Members of the network likened the experience of the thousands of people that have been displaced to transplanting of a grown tree. They were concerned that hard earned property and daily substance have been destroyed and interrupted while family life has been disrupted with families scattered. This situation they described as “dehumanizing.”

Ms. Sabina Ng’ang’a of the Kenya National Council of Catholic Women said it was worrisome that at the moment violence was taking root in the form of revenge.

Hate and anger, she said was tearing apart communities that have lived together for years. “Revenge does not make one even. An eye for an eye will make Kenya blind. Kenya must put an end to war, or war will put an end to Kenya.” She added.

The women appreciated the initiatives and efforts by various stakeholders towards meeting the displaced persons’ needs. However they appealed to the inclusion of more women, highlighting their unique concerns and needs that may be overlooked throughout the humanitarian ventures at all levels.

People with special needs-such as the sick , the elderly, the week and those with various challenges should also be accorded special consideration said Mariam Kibunja (Muslim Sisters Network), adding that all that are needy should be reached. “They all feature as along settlement plan is considered.” She said.

The women further sent an appeal to all Kenyans and other people of good will to work for and preach peace at various stations including home, school and workplace. They called upon politicians, the religious leaders and the youth to speak and act responsibly.

They prayed that the thinking of Kenyans be guided by wisdom, reason and objectivity further adding that Kenyans have a duty and responsibility to build, maintain and sustain peace for the benefit of the coming generations.

They asked Kenyans to respect prayer houses, saying they were sacred places and places of refuge. They also pleaded for faith and fellowship, truth, justice, sincerity, dialogue, reconciliation, humility and national healing.

They women of faith finally appealed to women across the country to join hands and form a chain of prayer every Wednesday at 3.pm.