"Their needs are not only shelter and food, but health care, including access to HIV and Aids medication, security, including protection against sexual abuse, as well as counselling for the trauma they are undergoing," Gumbonzvanda said.
Violence broke out along ethnic lines in Kenya following the announcement of Kibaki's electoral victory, and its rejection by the Orange Democratic Party. Over 800 people have been killed and several hundred thousand have fled their homes and are sheltered in dozens of makeshift camps around the country.
The meetings of the ecumenical delegation with both parties, which lasted over two hours each, allowed for frank and in-depth discussion of the current crisis as well as for moments of prayer.
The delegation made the case for the Kenyan churches to be full partners in the mediation process, but this was met with expressions of disappointment regarding the churches' role during the electoral process.
The political parties complained that the churches in Kenya "need to heal themselves first". They also complained, "The churches have failed us as they have taken partisan positions."
The NCCK General Secretary acknowledged embarrassment about this amongst church leaders, but affirmed that they have tried to take responsibility. "A deep process of reflection has taken place after the election, and the crisis has encountered the churches united in their call for peace and reconciliation", he said.
As an example, Karanja mentioned a memorial service for the victims at the burned church in Eldoret, in which bishops from the two tribes involved will take part. It will be held in Kitale on 15 February.
The ecumenical delegation also heard about the deep-rooted historical grievances that underlie the current unrest. Amongst the main issues are inequalities in terms of land distribution and access to state resources and opportunities, as well as perceived or real tribal privileges.
"Kenya would never have a lasting peace without these fundamental issues being addressed", Karanja said, "but that cannot be done at the time of an election."
