Extend digital migration deadline, Wabukala tells govt

The Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Eliud Wabukala now wants the government to extend the digital switch deadline.

The Archbishop said most Kenyans cannot afford the set top boxes to enable them get the digital feed.

He said many Kenyans are yet to come to grasp with the switch hence they will be left at a disadvantage if the government goes ahead with the plan.

Delivering his sermon during Christmas prayers at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, Dr Wabukala said: “People need to understand what it is and to buy the necessary gadgets”.
His concern comes at a time the government plans to switch off all analogue channels today (Friday) pending an appeal lodged by three media houses – Nation Media Group, Standard Group and Royal Media Services.

The three media houses had filed a case in the High Court to halt the switch following complains over the policy and the timing, which they say was too short for the consumers.

However, Justice David Majanja dismissed the case prompting an appeal, which will be heard today. In Nairobi, there are currently 1.4 million television set owners, only 200,000 of whom have bought the set up top boxes that accesses digital signals.

SOUTH SUDAN

The Archbishop also called for forgiveness and dialogue to resolve the security situation in South Sudan.
He said the world had hoped for a peaceful nation following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement with neighbours Sudan in 2006.
“We look on with deep distress that a new nation is torn apart by civil strife at such an early stage,” he said to hundreds who thronged the cathedral.
More than 500 people have been killed and thousands were injured in a week of distress following an attempted coup on December 16, pitying President Salva Kiir and his erstwhile deputy, Riek Machar.

Many observers are afraid the conflict is taking on an ethnic dimension following targeted killings of Nuer and Dinka tribesmen.

The Archbishop also urged Kenyans to be cautious while on the roads and to assist the police in bringing back sanity in the transport sector.

Dr Eliud also called for unity among the arms of government to steer the country’s development.

“They should strive for dialogue at this period instead of competing for power. This country cannot move forward when its leaders compete for supremacy,” he said.

FORMER PRESIDENT

Retired President Mwai Kibaki Wednesday joined other Christians for a Christmas Mass at the Consolata Shrine Catholic Church in Westlands, Nairobi.

The service was conducted by Father Benigno Lee of Consolata Shrine Parish who also delivered the sermon.

In his sermon, based on Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-6 and John 1:1-18 Father Lee urged Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by assisting the less privileged persons in the society.

This, he added will show their love and kindness to the poor that reflects on Jesus Christ’s gracious love to the church.