Slain Priest

* I was sad and upset when I read the World in Brief Aug. 25 story about the American priest who was slain in Kenya. Sad because he was my father’s cousin and was very dear to our family. He was a highly principled man who dedicated his life to his mission in Africa. Upset because of the lack of reporting by The Times. Upset that a man could dedicate his life for a cause, die for it and not even be recognized for his efforts.

Father John Kaiser stood up for people and fought all injustices he encountered. He testified against two Kenyan Cabinet ministers who caused tribal clashes and stole land from the people. He supported two young female parishioners who were raped by a leading government official. He agreed to testify about human rights abuses at the International Court of Justice at The Hague and to bring witnesses. He even fought the church bureaucracy in order to work at his mission. Father John knew he was in danger. He had called his sister earlier this year to make his funeral arrangements. He stayed in Africa because his life’s work always came first.

The world has lost a great humanitarian. The Kenyans are aware of this. Americans should be, too.

ANDY KAISER

San Diego