In a bid to foster peace and reconciliation in the violence-ridden Kerio Valley, the Bible Society of Kenya delivered Good News Bibles for school distribution. The move was part of a ‘Love Embraced’ program by Parklands Baptist Church, based in Nairobi, involving trauma counseling and moral guidance in a region torn apart by banditry and cattle rustling.
Key Details
Donation and Program
- BSK Donation: A donation by the Bible Society of Kenya to support the ‘Love Embraced’ program aimed at providing spiritual and emotional support to victims of insecurity in Kerio Valley.
- Objective: Evangelism and teachings of the Bible to contain the misconception amongst youths from radication and lawlessness, and to provide trauma counseling for women and children affected by the violence.
Official Statements
- Governor’s Remarks: Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich applauded the move of the church, adding that it had played a great role in trauma counseling, and bringing about peace in the region.
- BSK CEO’s Comments: BSK chief executive Elizabeth Muriuki said that it supports the wheelchair-bound venture of students, notwithstanding taking a decision to provide free Bibles with a view of changing lives.
Local Government Support
- Sports and Youth Affairs CEC’s View: Purity Koima, who represented the Governor, noted that the donation was very instrumental in the character transformation of the youth and providing them with moral and spiritual guidance.
- Deputy County Commissioner’s Input: He noted that Biblical laws agreed with national laws wherein the efforts of the church and the government complement each other in the maintenance of peace and order.
Impact on the Community
Spiritual and Emotional Support
- Trauma Counseling: The Bibles are likely to provide a critical role in the therapy meant for the traumatized victims of banditry and cattle rusting, thus getting them to overcome loss in terms of loved ones and displacement from their homes.
- Moral Guidance: The biblical teaching will impart morals or values leading people away from crime and promoting stability and peace in the area.
Educational and Economic Stabilization
- Support for Learning: The Bibles will also help in stabilizing the learning environment, that has been disrupted due to continued violence. The teaching of morals from the Bibles is likely to provide a conducive environment where learning can take place.
- Economic Benefits: The improvement in security and stability can, therefore, have the local community get back to economic activities, thus improving their general well-being.