Christian Retailing

Publisher seeks to prevent election violence in Kenya Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Thursday, 13 December 2012 11:00 PM America/New_York

A Christian publisher in Kenya has launched a campaign to prepare Christians for the East African country's March elections.

Five years ago, post-election violence in Kenya almost plunged the country into civil war. The violence, which lasted two months, killed 1,500 and displaced 250,000, BBC News reported.

"We need the prayers, goodwill and support of Christian Trade members worldwide as we carry out the 'Spread Love in Kenya' campaign," said Martin Karanja, managing director of Arba Publications, a Nairobi, Kenya-based member of Christian Trade Association International (CTAI). "This initiative is geared to ensuring that Christians in Kenya practice the greatest commandment so that we never have a repeat of what happened in 2007 and 2008."

The campaign is focused around Love: The Christian Signature, an Arba-published book released in 2011, with a seven-minute DVD of the same name. The book by Edward Buri—a Princeton graduate, youth pastor and adjunct professor—has sold more than 6,000 copies and is in its third printing.

Working with churches, retailers and schools, Karanja has organized events in a dozen cities, including Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru and Naivasha. The campaign, which has reached more than 50,000 people via radio, TV, print and events, has also crossed national borders, with the most recent public meeting in Kampala, Uganda.

"We have 19 active members," said Jackie Ojiambo, owner of Wells Books and Gifts and chairperson of CTAI in Kenya. "We meet to pray, fellowship, encourage one another and address issues that affect our industry and nation."