16 January 2018
CAFOD’s Country Representative, Catherine Ogolla described the attacks at the DusitD2 hotel complex in Nairobi as horrifying and worrying but says that communities must not become divided because of them, and instead must work for peace and social cohesion:
“What terrorists of any type want is to divide communities and sow violence, so all peoples must stand together for peace and unity in this time of trouble, sending the message out that any form of violent terror will not succeed; will not divide the Kenyan nation.”
According to Kenyan Police, the attack took place on Tuesday (15 January) just after 3 pm Nairobi time, with an explosion in the parking lot of the hotel complex, and then a suicide bomb blast in the hotel foyer.
Ogolla continued: “The Kenyan people need a sustained commitment to peace, we cannot allow these events to derail that. Most of all we know that extremism thrives on hopelessness so above all we must continue to work together to offer hope for a brighter future to all the peoples of Kenya.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by this horrific attack.”
CAFOD has been working in the region since 1962, opening a regional office in Nairobi in 1998.
CAFOD works together with the local Catholic Church, aid workers and other non-Church agencies, to respond to humanitarian emergencies and longer-term development needs in marginalised communities across the country.
ENDS//
Notes to editors
For further information, broadcast media requests, or update briefings please contact: Nana Anto-Awuakye on - Email: nanto-awuakye@cafod.org.uk, Landline: 020 7 095-5456 Mobile: 07799 477 541 nanto-awuakye@cafod.org.ukFor further information, broadcast media requests, or update briefings please contact: Nana Anto-Awuakye on - Email: nanto-awuakye@cafod.org.uk, Landline: 020 7 095-5456 Mobile: 07799 477 541
CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas International. Working with communities across Africa, Asia Middle East, and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice. The agency works with people in need regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.