Participate in “addressing root causes of displacement”: Kenya’s Bishops to Gov’t on World Day of Migrants, Refugees

He goes on to highlight the challenges that the 600,000 refugees in Kenya from Somalia and South Sudan face, including “ongoing conflicts, adverse environmental conditions, security issues, and overcrowding in refugee camps.”

“Kenya continues with her tradition of providing refuge and offering a home to those displaced and fleeing as migrants from neighboring countries,” Bishop Odonya says.

Referring to the theme for this year's WDMR, “God Walks with His People,” the Kenyan Catholic Bishop reflects on the Church's role in supporting migrants and refugees, drawing parallels between their struggles and that of the people of Israel during the Exodus.

“We extend our love, compassion, and understanding to those displaced by conflicts and hardships. Inspired by Leviticus 19:33-34, we see and treat the migrants as part of us, loving them as we love ourselves,” he says in the two-page dated September 29, the WDMR.

“We are all called upon to be compassionate and offer just responses to the plight of migrants and refugees, recognizing their human dignity, protecting and integrating them into society,” Bishop Odonya says. 

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He calls for the creation of a world where “everyone feels safe and valued for what they are,” encourages all to journey with migrants and refugees, and entrusts them to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.