Kenya Anglican Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi and Sentamu agreed that the visit to Kenya at this time "to join in prayers for peace and reconciliation in the predominantly Christian country would be invaluable," a news release from the Diocese of York noted.

Sentamu, who flew out to Nairobi February 7 for a four-day visit, is expected to spend time in some of the refugee camps that have sprung up to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of displaced people, fleeing violence. His fact-finding visit will help to inform Christians in England how they can stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters.

Violent protests between supporters of President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga erupted across the country after Kibaki was declared the winner in the closely contested December 27 election.

During his visit, Sentamu will be meeting with representatives of the Government and Opposition parties.

Writing on his website prior to leaving for Kenya, Sentamu said: "I have accepted Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi's encouragement to visit Kenya. During the troubles in Uganda brought about by the [Idi] Amin regime, the people of Kenya stood in solidarity with the suffering of Uganda. Kenya was a haven for many Ugandans. Kenya was the base for the headquarters of both the East African Court of Appeal and the East African Economic Community. Kenya was the economic lifeline to landlocked Uganda.

"Now during their own time of trouble I have decided to accept Archbishop Nzimbi's encouragement to come and stand in solidarity and prayer with the suffering in that land.

"It is significant to me that it is at this time that the worldwide Church enters into the time of Lent, when we prepare ourselves to commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Kenya's suffering is lived under the shadow of the Cross.

"My prayer will be that the joy of the resurrection awaits this land and that this act of solidarity will be a reminder to them of the millions worldwide, who stand with them in their suffering."