wfn.org | Africa Inter-Denominational Statement on methanol (Makutano

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CATHOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE FOR AFRICA (CISA)

cisa@wananchi.com

Issue No. 441 f, Thursday, June 30, 2005

INTER-DENOMINATIONAL PRESS STATEMENT
Issued at Catholic Bishop's Office Machakos

June 30, 2005

We would like to say "Pole" (send our condolences) to our people, 
especially the bereaved families of Chumvi, Kyemutheke, Katheka Kai, 
Lukenya, Kathome and Masii [villages of Machakos] and other parts of Kenya, 
after their dear ones took the poisoned brew with high concentration of 
methanol (Makutano Tragedy).

The illicit brew has taken away some of our energetic young men and women 
and left many orphans, widows, widowers and parents mourning.

We join the voices of those who of late have condemned the provision of 
such brews.

Despite the grief, we would like to still affirm that our help is in the 
name of the Lord.

Thank You to Our Government

We would like to thank the Government through the Ministry of Health for 
promising to meet the burial expenses. It is our appeal that the 
government, the Church and any other well wishers, to extend support to the 
affected families, such support can be channeled through the churches, 
Mosques or DC's office.

Call to the Government and Those Concerned With Our Security

We continue to call upon the health officers not only in Machakos, but all 
over the country, the police, the Provincial Administrators, the Courts (in 
short all the arms of government) to take all the necessary measures, that 
those selling such drinks are brought to book. These are the people 
concerned with the security of our people; it is unfortunate that sometimes 
we compromise life with money. It is pathetic that those selling such 
drinks are known by even our people, yet few are courageous enough to bring 
the culprits forward.

Invitation for Interdenominational Prayer at Machakos -Kenyatta Stadium

Our Christian values call us to mourn with those who mourn; thus we invite 
our fellow Kenyans, the faithful, the sympathizers and well wishers to 
support the families who have been affected by this disaster. Let us be our 
brothers' and sisters' keepers (Genesis 4:9); let us be Good Samaritans to 
these families (cf Luke 10:30-35).

In this connection we are inviting all our faithful from different 
denominations and our sympathizers, to join us on Saturday July 2, 2005, at 
Machakos -Kenyatta Stadium- at 9:00 am to pray, mourn and console those who 
have lost their loved ones, those who have lost their sight and those still 
suffering at home and in the hospitals after this national disaster. The 
bodies will be brought to the stadium on that day.

Rt Rev Martin Kivuva, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Machakos
Rt Rev Joseph M Kanuku, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Machakos Diocese
Bishop Mutua, Bishop, Redeemed Gospel Church
Bishop Ngala, African Brotherhood Church (ABC)
(Chairman) Africa Inland Church -AIC
And other leaders from Pentecostal Churches

Contacts: Catholic Bishop's Office, Machakos, bishopsomks@wananchi.com, Tel 
+254-44-20484, Tel/ Fax +254-44-21308, P O Box 344, Machakos 90100, Kenya.

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