Stop senseless killings, urges Archbishop Kivuva

Mombasa Archbishop Martin Kivuva during Mass at St Barnabas Catholic Church in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, on June 25, 2016. He urged residents to stop killing elderly people on claims of witchcraft. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Archbishop Kivuva praised Fr Katana for serving the God and the church faithfully for 40 years, urging young priests to emulate his example.

The Archbishop of Mombasa has called for an end to killings of elderly people in Kilifi County.

Martin Kivuva said sometimes senior citizens in this county are lynched simply because they have grey hair and red eyes which, to the lynch mobs, is proof they are witches or wizards.

Addressing thousands of Catholics at St Barnabas Catholic Church in Kaloleni Giriama on Saturday, Archbishop Kivuva said that the stereotype of associating grey hair with witchcraft was fallacious.

“It’s not true that they are witches and sorcerers. Grey hair is a symbol of wisdom and experience. Why do you kill them? It’s ungodly and unAfrican and you must stop it,” he said.

Thousands of Catholics braved a heavy downpour during the ceremony to mark 40 years of priesthood for Fr Henry Katana, well known as the “kayamba priest”.

Archbishop Kivuva called on politicians, giving the example of the “Pangani six”, to cultivate peace ahead of the election.

He said that the country faced serious challenges in security, radicalization, and youth unemployment.

Archbishop Kivuva praised Fr Katana for serving the God and the church faithfully for 40 years, urging young priests to emulate his example.

“You have preached to thousands, probably millions of Christians all over the place. You have administered in baptism, weddings, burials and all kinds of Christian ceremonies. You have particularly attracted people by preaching through music and I ask the faithful to pray for you to continue serving the Lord for many more years,” he said.