COVID-19 “impact on vulnerable populations” a Concern for Bishops in Kenya

Truck drivers who “contribute immensely to the health of our country” and seem to be contracting COVID-19 in high numbers is “a matter of great concern” for the Bishops.

The Catholic Church leaders note a gap in addressing the safety and health of the truck drivers and “appeal to the government to urgently address the challenges … in order to curb the rising spread of COVID-19,”

The Bishops are also concerned about people living on the streets and those suffering from mental illness who they consider to be in “a more precarious situation with a higher risk of contracting, spreading and being overwhelmed by COVID-19.”

They express appreciation for the initiatives from many philanthropists helping those living on the streets and mentally challenged with food but acknowledge that other aspects of the wellbeing and healthcare of these vulnerable individuals need attention amid COVID-19 pandemic.

In their collective message read out by Bishop Pante who is the Local Ordinary of Kenya’s Maralal Diocese and doubles as the Chairman of the Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Seafarers of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Bishops in Kenya encourage the people of God to support Church initiatives through its development and humanitarian arm, Caritas.

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“As KCCB, we continue to appeal to Christians and people of goodwill to make contributions in cash and in kind to our Caritas kitty to enable us support the victims affected by COVID-19 and floods,” the Bishops say in their June 14 message.

The plight of women and children who seem to bear the brunt in the increased cases of gender-based violence (GBV) amid COVID-19 restrictions is another cause for concern for the Bishops in Kenya who underscore the effects of such violence on the mental health of the victims.

They have appealed to family members tempted to engage in domestic violence to exercise restraint and embrace the virtues of “patience, dialogue, forgiveness and peace building during these extraordinary times.”

The Bishops appeal to the victims of domestic violence and their caregivers to “speak out and seek for help from the religious leaders, hospitals, counsellors.”

“Our unity, solidarity and sense of hope are key to defeating COVID-19,” the Bishops say.

“I wish to reiterate the Catholic Bishops’ appreciation for all those who are on the frontline in combatting COVID-19,” Bishop Pante said on behalf of the Catholic Bishops in Kenya and added, “We owe much gratitude to the health workers who are risking their lives to care and treat those who have contracted the disease.”

“We believe that the spread of the virus would have been worse without your effort and commitment,” Bishop Pante said in reference to health workers and caregivers and implored God to keep them safe.

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