"No to revenge, we are one nation and we need peace and reconciliation": this is the appeal which mgr. Peter Kairo, bishop of Nakuru, Rift Valley, one of the areas hit hardest by violence in Kenya, made in the run-up to next Friday’s funeral of father Michael Mamau Ithondeka, the 41-year-old priest of his diocese who was killed last Saturday by a group of armed youth. Over the last few days, quite a few Catholics of the kikuyo ethnic group have been threatened likewise. "The situation has not improved at all says mgr. Kairo to SIR . Revenge is in the air, the groups are attacking each other. There were very violent riots yesterday. We sent more kikuyu priests away from the parish, because their lives are in danger. If people begin to attack each other, things will get worse". As a Church, he adds, "we are very worried and frightened": "our job is very difficult he states . People ask us what to do, but we have no answers. The only thing we can do is invite people to peace and reconciliation, reminding them we are one nation". (continued)
