SACRED PEOPLE, SACRED EARTH
By DR. DHWANI SURA and VAIBHAVI SURA
On the 11th March 2021, the largest ever faith-based ‘Day of Action for climate change occurred in over 40 countries globally. In Kenya, this event was organized by the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, Environment and Climate Change program.
On the ‘Day of Action’, members from the different faith-based organizations such as the Hindu Council of Kenya, the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Seventh Day Adventist (SDA), the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF), Maskani and others gathered at Milele Mall, Ngong Town, starting from 7 a.m. Media personnel were also part of the group that congregated at Ngong, where they did short interviews on spreading awareness in relations to the ‘Ten Demands’ of the Climate Day of Action. Posters and t-shirts were distributed, once everyone was ready to start the march.
The Band marching through Ngong Town 
Display of the demand posters
The march started at 9:30 a.m, which was led by a musical band, followed by participants raising posters indicting the ten demands. It was a beautiful two-kilometer march from Milele Mall to St. Joseph Cathedral Church.
On arrival at the church, the event started with the national anthem, followed by prayers by Religious Leaders. This was followed by speeches by a member representing the European Union and various Religious Leaders. Entertainment was provided by children dancers from the Hindu Council of Kenya with the dances based on songs that represent Lord Krishna, the protector of the environment and a skit by youth from the Art Space, which was a thought-provoking scenario on why we should protect our environment.
At the same time, there was a petition for the use of renewable energy and avoidance of fossil fuel which was dropped off at the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum at the end of the event.
A total of 500 trees were planted. Every member was provided with two plant seedlings to be planted on the grounds of the church, a primary school and a nearby college.
The event had come to an end, and it was closed off by a beautiful prayer.
The Inter-Religious Council - Kenya Blog 