Kenyan bishops asked government leaders to end ethnic violence in the country’s coastal region near the Tana River, where fighting has left hundreds killed and displaced in the last five months. “Young children going to school have been killed with their school bags strapped on their backs while the elderly, unable to run for their safety, have been burned in their houses by their neighbors with whom they have lived closely for several decades,” said a Jan. 18 statement signed by representatives of the bishops’ justice and peace commission and heads of coastal dioceses.
“We are saddened and shocked by the violence and deaths in this part of the country but, more so, we are surprised that — despite the heavy presence of the security agents, promises to end the violence, peace and reconciliation meetings — nothing has changed,” they said. The bishops said the Tana Delta was known for its natural resources and urged the government to investigate if this was related to the prolonged violence.