In February attackers in Kenya set fire to the main compound of the Reformed Church of East Africa conference center, destroying the whole unit.
The RCEA conference center had been a coordination center for the church’s response to the unrest following Kenya’s elections in late December. The church helped more than 400 displaced families and distributed relief materials from the compound.
RCEA General Secretary Samson Akoru described it as a revenge attack, because the church had sheltered Kikuyu families in this mainly Kalenjin region. The unrest set off by the elections quickly became an inter-ethnic conflict. Although the RCEA has a majority of its members from the Kalenjin people, it has members and pastors from Kikuyu and Luo peoples as well.
Built in 1972, the building and it contents were valued at 19 million Kenya Shillings, about $280,000 (US).
The executive committee of the Reformed Ecumenical Council has approved an appeal among its member churches, which includes the Christian Reformed Church, to help the East Africa church community. Those who wish to help may donate securely on the REC website (www.recweb.org). Please indicate the funds are for Kenya Relief. (REC)
