"Bwana Asifiwe !" Archbishop's Response to Kenya Peace Deal

"I give thanks to Almighty God for inspiring the President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki, and the Honourable Raila Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, for reaching an historic agreement that will restore hope and confidence to the internally displaced people of their country and to all Kenyans.

"My hope is that Kenya, the pride of Africa, will now go on from strength to strength through this two party coalition and a rejection of one party politics. May the Kenyan Parliament be strengthened to provide the necessary checks and balances.

"I rejoice that both leaders have lived up to their promise of not allowing either side to fail the process of reconciliation. They have put the interests of Kenya first, before their own political ambitions. When I last spoke to the two leaders it was very clear that a way had to be found for the well being of all Kenyans. To each of them I say: 'Thank you for living up to your word.'

"To Kofi Anan and his team my message is: "Fantabulous ! Thank you for your determination to find a way that will now restore peace, security, reconciliation and prosperity to Kenya. In our last conversation you said a way will be found. Muzei, Asante Sana ! (Respected Elder, thank you very much).

"To the Christians of Kenya: 'Thank you for your prayers – continue to work together as one body, pull together for the common good of Kenya. Harambee (Let us pull together) Bwana Asifiwe (God be praised)'.

"Finally to the world community and to the United Kingdom in particular: Please continue praying and providing humanitarian aid to the internally displaced people of Kenya'."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• The Archbishop visited Kenya earlier this month on a four day visit from February 7 – February 11 2008. Read his Statement from the Archbishop of York on his visit to Kenya .
• The Archbishops' of Canterbury and York have launched a joint appeal for humanitarian relief for the people of Kenya. Read more details of the Archbishops' appeal for Kenya.