Rising tensions
and violence in Kenya following a disputed election has resulted
in the deaths of hundreds of people with tens of thousands fleeing
their homes.
In the western
town of Eldoret in the Rift Valley, Reuters reports that about 30
people seeking refuge in a church died when a mob set fire to the
building. Looting and fires have been seen in the area following
the incident. Reports estimate that between 70,000 to 100,000 Kenyans
have been uprooted by the violence in the country, with some people
fleeing to nearby Uganda and Tanzania.
Members of the
ACT forum in Kenya have met and are remaining in constant contact
as they plan a response to the humanitarian needs following the
violence and turmoil. ACT members report that the massive displacement
from Eldoret requires urgent attention.
The ACT Kenya
Forum has already mobilized the following resources:
-
Church
World Service (CWS) is providing emergency food relief (US $20,000)
for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nairobi slums, who urgently
need assistance. CWS is working through its implementing partner,
the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC).
-
Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is providing food relief (US $28,000)
for IDPs in Kisumu. NCA is working through its implementing partner,
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK).
As
the crisis continues to unfold, ACT members in Kenya will be closely
monitoring the situation and determining the best ways to respond.
The ACT Kenya Forum is in contact with the ACT Coordinating Office
(CO) and is expected to submit a Rapid Response Fund (RRF) request
followed by a potential ACT appeal.
ACT
members in Kenya:
All
Africa Conference of Churches (AACC)
Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK)
Christian Aid (CA)
Church World Service (CWS)
DanChurchAid (DCA)
Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH)
Lutheran World Federation (LWF)
Lutheran World Relief (LWR)
Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK)
National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK)
Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)
