October 1, 2012
Policemen patrol through the remains of a burned village after ethnic violence in the Tana River Delta in Kenya’s coastal region Sept. 11. Leaders of Kenya’s mainstream Christian churches urged the government to address the many problems the country faces as it prepares for March general elections. A joint statement issued Sept. 20 cited the recent ethnic violence that left more than 100 Kenyans dead and displaced thousands of people in the Tana River Delta at a time when the government had vowed to enhance security and restore peace. The government belatedly deployed security personnel, but the Church leaders recommended the government find the root cause of the violence. Some observers have accused politicians of exploiting ethnic rivalries before the election. The Church leaders also raised concern over ongoing strikes by teachers and doctors.

CNS PHOTO | CHARLES MAKUNDA, REUTERS

Turmoil in Kenya

Policemen patrol through the remains of a burned village after ethnic violence in the Tana River Delta in Kenya’s coastal region Sept. 11.

Leaders of Kenya’s mainstream Christian churches urged the government to address the many problems the country faces as it prepares for March general elections.

A joint statement issued Sept. 20 cited the recent ethnic violence that left more than 100 Kenyans dead and displaced thousands of people in the Tana River Delta at a time when the government had vowed to enhance security and restore peace.

The government belatedly deployed security personnel, but the Church leaders recommended the government find the root cause of the violence.

Some observers have accused politicians of exploiting ethnic rivalries before the election.

The Church leaders also raised concern over ongoing strikes by teachers and doctors.