This archive report was first published on 14 June 2020.
On June 14, 2020, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) expressed concern over the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups in the country.
The bishops, led by Bishop of Maralal Rt.Rev. Virgilio Pante, called upon the government to take immediate action to protect truck drivers, refugees, pastoralists communities, and mentally ill patients who are most affected by the pandemic.
‘The continued rise of numbers of truck drivers contracting COVID-19 indicates a gap in addressing their safety and health, therefore it is a matter of great concern to us. We appeal to the government to address the challenges the truck drivers are facing,’ Bishop Pante said during the Corpus Christi Mass and Adoration at the Holy Family Basilica.
The bishops also urged the government to pay attention to refugees living in densely populated areas, citing the risk of further spread of COVID-19.
Additionally, KCCB encouraged families and neighborhoods to exercise restraint and forgiveness, citing a rise in the number of gender-based violence cases witnessed during the pandemic.
The event was attended by John Cardinal Njue and Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa Diocese.
