02 January 2008

Boxing Day and Election Day

Wednesday, December 26th, Boxing Day
(a public holiday in Kenya with British origins)

By mid-morning the following day, I remained with only 16-year old Collins (who had been with me since we left Matunda together on the 20th), 12-year old Jim (Karo’s son, who had been with me since we left Siaya together on the 10th), and 9-year old Lucia (who came back from Siaya with Karo). We went to the Animal Orphanage (sort of a small zoo). We had a fantastic time, as the animals were quite active and there was a nice holiday crowd. Jim was amazed with the lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Collins especially enjoyed the restless hyena. Lucia (who was away from his village home for the first time in his life) was wide-eyed at ALL of it!

Jim and Lucia found a reserve of energy somewhere and jumped to their hearts’ content in a bouncing castle, while Collins and I enjoyed some jumping and singing Maasai warriors. We had Jim’s all-time favorite lunch of “chips” (fries), sausage, and “soda” (pop). We topped it off with an ice cream cone. It was a memorable day for all of us.

Mood of the country: There is much euphoria and anticipation about the elections. Opinion polls indicate the presidential race is too close to call. The highest turnout in Kenya’s history is predicted.

Status of water in my house: Sporadic again.

Thursday, December 27th, Election Day
(a public holiday)

While the rest of the nation went to the polls to choose their president and parliament, the three boys stayed busy playing outside with my neighbor kids, putting together a puzzle, coloring, and playing cards. In the afternoon, we all went on a 2-hour hike. It was interesting, as we passed through sort of a forested area.

Mood of the country: Voting goes fairly well throughout Kenya, with only isolated flare-ups and violence. Thousands stood in line for up to eight hours in order to exercise their right to vote. Everyone is eager to hear the outcome. International observers declare it to be a “free and fair” election, as far as the voting process went.

Friday, December 28th
(yet another public holiday by presidential decree, as people await the results of the election)

We met Karo downtown, in order to return Jim and Lucia to her. The whole area was practically deserted. Even large supermarkets were closed! On our way home, Collins and I stopped at two large outdoor markets. Both were deserted! Everyone is home watching the news to see who will be the new president.

Mood of the country: People are getting restless waiting for the results. In the evening, Collins and I walked to my doctor’s house to watch the TV coverage. Besides being my doctors, Chunge and his wife, Ruth, have become my good friends through the years. Now, they’re also my neighbors.

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