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[KPMG LOGO]                                                        EXHIBIT 23(A)

The Board of Directors
Citizens, Inc.:

   
We consent to the use of our reports incorporated herein by reference and to the
reference to our Firm under the heading "Experts" in the Form S-3.
    

                                            /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
                                            KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP

   
Dallas, Texas
August 24, 1995