Diocese Condemns Lynching of Suspected Criminals

Diocese Condemns Lynching of Suspected Criminals

Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)


NEWS
18 November 2008
Posted to the web 18 November 2008
Mombasa

The Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa has condemned mob violence in which eleven youths suspected to have been terrorising the residents of Tiwi village in Kwale District were lynched last week.

Investigations by the Catholic Justice and Peace Office in Kwale found that Tiwi had been plagued by insecurity for a very long time and the youths in the village were prompted to take action following alleged police laxity.

"As the Catholic Church, we envisage a society based on human values and dignity of the whole human person. In fulfilling this mandate, we endeavour to protect and preserve life in line with the non-negotiable command from God, "Thou shall not kill". All human beings are entitled to their basic human rights and fundamental freedoms," the archdiocese said in a statement.

"Serious denial of these rights wounds the entire human community and destroys solidarity among persons. We condemn all forms of violence, regardless of their source or motivation. Life in all its forms is God-given and therefore sacred and should be preserved at all costs."

The violence in Tiwi was an indication of the breakdown of the rule of law and increased immorality in society, the archdiocese said. "The Catholic Church is worried that if such trends are encouraged to take root in our society, there will be total breakdown in moral values, law and order."

The archdiocese asked the police to step up their efforts in fighting crime. Citizens should also support the community policing strategy to help the police crack down on law breakers and prosecute them in accordance with the law.

Specifically, the archdiocese recommended that police and other security agencies increase patrols within the region to ensure maintenance of law and order.

The police should motivate the local community to partner with them in promoting security by implementing the community policing strategy. The church also appealed to members of the public to protect the right to life of others.

"We, therefore, appeal to the public to desist from actions that result in loss of life. All persons, including Tiwi residents, have a role to play in eliminating the culture of violence and impunity that is slowly taking root in our beloved country Kenya."

source:
http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200811181192.html