Body count rattles sense of reality in Kenya
BY ANN PIASECKI
JPIC COORDINATOR
WHEATON—Ironically the lull in fighting today in Naivasha, Kenya, has Sr. Florence Muia, a member of the Congregation of the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi (ASN), focusing her energies on preventing a public health crisis. In a Feb. 6 telephone discussion with the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Office of the Wheaton Franciscans, she put out an urgent call for body bags.
The mortuary has a capacity to hold up to 12, she said, “we have 79.” The past few weeks of warring factions in Kenya has sparked a need to put a cap on disease spreading bacteria caused by decomposing bodies.
The growing number of deaths and injury together with mass displacement of families from their homes has left people feeling ragged, she said. Her prayers offered at least a moment of comfort to a man, who today uttered in a stony cold voice that he’d lost 11 family members since the violence broke out two days after Christmas. One mother sobbed on Sr. Florence’s shoulder, as she grappled with the death of her three children due to this ethnic vengeance.
After weeks of violent rampages—machete wielding men and angry crowds—the first Mass celebrated in a month at St. Xavier Parish in Naivasha, was held Feb. 3. The gripping silence served as a grim reminder of how desperately people need God. Barely a quarter of the congregation attended the Mass that usually attracts a standing room only crowd of close to 2,000 parishioners.
Sr. Florence’s efforts have been nothing short of heroic since ethnic warring upset cities and rural regions throughout Kenya. Having worked tirelessly for days on end, avoiding road blocks and picking up people at risk of being attack or those with a history of illness, she allowed finally the release of pent up confusion, fear and frustration. A Nobel Peace Prize nominee in 2005 for contributions made to ease the plight of HIV/AIDS victims and their families in Kenya, Sr. Florence said she was exhausted, spent.
For the founder of Upendo Village, a Wheaton Franciscan-Assumption Sisters collaborative effort to assist people suffering HIV/AIDS and their families with healthcare, nutrition and opportunities for economic sustainability, the crisis may have sapped her energy but not her determination to persist as a loving presence. Looking out over a bare bones flock of faithful, Sr. Florence said she was struck by the overwhelming traumatization suffered by the congregation physically, spiritually and emotionally. Instead of the enthusiastic choir lifting its voice in praise songs or the vibrant artistic moves of the liturgical dance troupe, the church had acquired a shroud of sadness.
At present, the brick and mortar of the church edifice serves to provide a sense of sanctuary for Sr. Florence and other believers, she said.
On the other hand, Sr. Mary Gorrety Anyango, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Anne, who is working with another Wheaton Franciscan assisted HIV/AIDS project in Kisumu, Kenya, insisted on pursuing mundane tasks to achieve a sense of normalcy. In a Feb. 6 telephone conversation with the JPIC, she said she was getting out donations accountability reports.
It keeps her mind occupied, while the battle rages around her, said OSF Sr. Sheila Kinsey, leader of the JPIC. In an earlier e-mail intended for Sr. Sheila and the rest of the Wheaton Franciscans, Sr. Mary wrote: “Thanks a lot for the prayers. This is my second time to visit cyber space since the chaos started in Kenya. I want to send our report for 2007 from October to December, (during this) short time that I have before I die. May I just send you some photos then the report will come tomorrow or Friday, because every day you cannot tell what is going to take place. Each day we wait for what comes next.” She closed, writing, “Peace and all good but let justice prevail.”
Tom Garlitz, director of the Office of Peace and Social Justice at the Diocese of Joliet, said he has been working with U.S. staff members of Catholic Relief Services to contact CRS field workers in Kenya. Since the diocese sponsors a mission trip to Upendo Village, he’s hoping CRS would make contact with Sr. Florence and provide her with supplies.
Separated from the thick of political posturing between Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and Orange Democratic Movement Leader Raila Odinga, the sisters are seeking the healing hand of faith as it concerns regaining a sense of safety and normalcy, added Sr. Sheila.
In the shadow of a looming wooden crucifix, hot tears of frustration spilled out, said Sr. Florence. Looking around at the despairing faces, she worried, not merely about the future, but about meeting the need for basic necessities.
A precarious peace based on an 18-point plan was brokered by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who called for an immediate end to the civil uprising between the two dominant political parties, namely the opposing Kikuyu and Luo tribes. The disputed results of a Dec. 27 presidential election sparked the hostility that has brought the country to its knees economically and socially.
Although Kibaki and Odinga stated publicly on Feb. 4 that the violence has to stop, it seems that no serious steps have been taken for restoring fundamental rights, according to Sr. Florence. In a Feb. 4 telephone conversation with her Wheaton Franciscan friends and supporters, Provincial Directress Sr. Margaret Zulaski, OSF, and Sr. Sheila, Sr. Florence said she hopes regional leaders will take the initiative to halt the bloodletting that thus far has cost the lives of close to 900 people. CNN.com noted in a Feb. 4 online story that some 261,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since the tumult began.
Speaking of the regional leaders, she said, “They need to come and talk to the people” to end the violence in the street.
Sr. Florence, a former probation officer, has relied on her on nonsense, take control mannerism to maneuver safely through the streets in an around the city of Naivasha, located in the southern section of the Rift Valley. Meanwhile, she counted on her savvy for dealing with tough talking thugs and ability to recognize the potential for harm in her dealings with gangs of armed protesters. She and her small band of sisters have been working with relief service such as the Red Cross to ensure a steady supply of basic necessities and medication.
The relief workers, including Doctors Without Borders, CRS and the UN World Food Program, have been collaborating with Kenya’s Ministry of Health staff. Sr. Florence said she is currently helping to distribute food, while coordinating efforts to set up temporary tents. About 300 tents total are planned to go up in Naivasha for displaced families.
“The people have been sleeping in the open,” said Sr. Florence. The temperature has been dipping into the upper 60s at night. The biggest worry concerning shelter deficiencies at the moment is the threat of rain. Predictions call for showers to begin as early as tomorrow, Feb. 7, according to weather reports.
Relief services managed to get portable bathrooms and shower facilities set up, added Sr. Florence.
Meanwhile, Sr. Agnes Mgape, ASN, is a nurse from Upendo Village, is assisting a volunteer from Doctors Without Borders in providing immediate healthcare services to those suffering from the effects of violence.
Sr. Florence said the priests in the country have refused to take sides publicly over the dispute. They’re emphasizing peace and unity.
The Joliet Diocese Partnership in Mission partners with Sister Florence Muia and the Upendo Village, sending medical and construction missions each summer.
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