” “Last Saturday, the Pope, through the Secretary of State card. Tarcisio Bertone, sent to the bishops of Kenya a letter of sympathy with the victims of the political crisis, which has been going on since the election of 27th December (which caused over 600 deaths and 250,000 refugees), asking that "violence and fratricidal wars be immediately stopped" and joining the Kenyan Bishops’ appeal for peace (2nd January). "The Pope’s message says father Wanyoike has been published today by all the main newspapers. It was widely praised by the Kenyan Church and populations, but the political leaders have made no statements yet. Perhaps today or tomorrow there will be some reaction". Father Wanyoike confirms that the fights have decreased in Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru and in the most involved dioceses: "Fewer people are being killed, but the number of refugees has grown in all of the affected areas". "The situation is improving in the slums of Nairobi as well says father Wanyoike , but we do not know what the future has in store for us yet. We hope the two political leaders (president Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga) will stop laying down conditions and will talk with each other". ” “(pca)” “
