Re-Cap and Update on Happenings in Kenya

I thought I'd include some “normal” information for you first, before my brief re-cap and update on the happenings in Kenya.

It's been raining in Nairobi the past few days, especially at night and in the mornings. Sometimes it's quite heavy. The sky has been overcast and the temperatures are cooler than normal for this time of year (considered to be “summer” in Kenya). I just walked 30 minutes from my house to Karen shops, so there were puddles and mud on the way. I saw a camel being guided by a young white guy – rather a rare sight (on both counts). The camel kicked excitedly when a dog got near its feet.

Once at Karen, I found that there's no power in most of the businesses. The lady at the post office spent a good five minutes looking for a form I needed. Ah! In many ways, life in Kenya is just "normal" as always! hahaha!


NOTE – Let me start with a very brief mention of one aspect of Kenya's history. There have been a series of serious injustices that have been commited towards various people groups ever since Kenya gained her independence. As a result, there are some very deep-seated resentments and mistrust between various tribes. Even though it could appear that Kenya is the rare African country that has enjoyed peace and stability, in fact there has always been this tension just below the surface. Flare-ups are not at all unusual; many times they are violent. So, this latest turmoil that is being experienced is no surprise to many.


A re-cap and update:

During the presidential campaigns: Women candidates were attacked and even killed

Pre-election polls: “Expected results of the presidential contest are too close to call.”

Election Day (Thursday, December 27th): Millions of Kenyan citizens exercised their right to vote (some for the first time in their lives). Hundreds of thousands stood in line for 6-8 hours. For the most part, the day progressed without violence or incidence.

Sunday, December 30th: The result of the presidential contest is announced amid much confusion. ODM (the opposition party) garnered the majority of parliament seats. They vehemently claimed the presidential outcome was rigged. Incumbent President Kibaki is hurriedly and secretly sworn in. A media blackout of live updates is ordered by the government. A week of chaos breaks out throughout the entire country.

ODM supporters repeatedly attempted to hold peaceful rallies to express their concerns. However, the sitting government declared them to be "illegal". Huge numbers of police are seen in many parts of the country.

Virtually the entire international community condemned the vote tallying fiasco and declared the election not to be “free and fair”. They have also repeatedly decried the ban the freedom of press and the restriction on the constitutional freedom of expression. The chairman and other officers of the Electoral Commission of Kenya have admitted that there were many irregularities and discrepancies in the vote tallying.

During early post-election chaos: Several hundred killed and injured, businesses destroyed and looted, thousands of homes burned causing hundreds of thousands of people to be displaced with only the clothes on their back, women and girls raped, many main highways in the nation closed, employees unable to reach their places of work, shops closed or only open for minimal hours each day, price gouging and panic buying of food, tourist industry virtually collapses. Much fear, depression, and psychological trauma sets in among Kenyan citizens. People fear leaving their homes. Hospitals were overwhelmed. Many small medical clinics closed when they ran out of supplies. Relief efforts begin to provide food, clothing, and personal effects for the displaced families.

Jendayi Frazier (US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs) and John Kufour (President of Ghana and President of the African Union) came to Kenya to help mediate peace talks, but both left without accomplishing much. Kibaki insists that Kenya can iron out her own difficulties. Frazier warned that the US may impose sanctions if a resolution isn’t found soon.


Tuesday, January 15th

Kofi Annan was scheduled to arrive (with other Eminent African Personalities) to continue in the peace brokering process; however he was taken ill before arriving.

Opening day of Parliament: ODM members of parliament refused to stand when Kibaki entered the house. The session was conducted according to standing procedures. All members were sworn in. ODM’s choices were elected for both Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House. The Speaker, especially, is a key position of power. Much healthy debate took place. The session was aired live on TV and radio; Kenyans watched it with much interest. Parliament is now on recess (likely until March), which is fairly standard practice.

Three days of “mass demonstrations” have been called (yesterday, today, and tomorrow) by ODM. They are once again declared to be “illegal” by the government.

Here’s an overview of Wednesday’s rallies:

• Mombasa – Muslim clerics attempt to hold a peaceful sit-in. Police throw tear gas at them as they quietly sing the national anthem.
• Kisumu – Mayhem breaks out and police use live bullets to disperse the crowds. Shops all close their doors. One person is killed.
• Nairobi – As crowds gathered in the afternoon, main artery roads were closed throughout the city by police. Businesses closed their doors. Thousands of people were forced to walk home as the public transportation sector shut down. ODM leaders were dispersed by tear gas. Running battles occurred in Kibera, the city's largest slum.

You may ask how I’m doing amidst all of this. I haven’t feared for my safety at all. The area of Nairobi where I live has seen relative calm, although there have been some disruptions to normal life. Actually, I find the whole thing to be a bit intriguing. I don’t venture out very far on days when turmoil is expected. I continue to go to church and homegroup (biking or walking). I went to downtown Nairobi on Monday to have my hair cut. I’ve had friends over to my house numerous times.

Many of my friends have been affected by all of this. Life in Kenya is generally always difficult. The recent happenings have simply added to the situation. Please join me in praying for them:

• Collins – He hopes to enter his new school tomorrow. He was delayed in traveling home from my place and has also been delayed in getting back to school.
• Mark Deng Deng – He was to travel back to Kakuma yesterday (I haven’t yet heard from him regarding his safe arrival). His ability to travel was greatly delayed due to the ongoing chaos in the country (the “upcountry” public transportation industry has been overwhelmed).
• Masudi – He has started back to school (5 days later than his school opened).
• M – His small-scale business was destroyed by fire in the early post-election violence. My church has contributed some financial assistance for him.

Unrelated to the political situation:

1. E and E – buried their 2-day old baby on Tuesday (she died from complications during delivery). She was their first child. I attended the funeral.
2. Joy – She has food allergies, a zinc deficiency, and an ongoing lack of appetite.
3. Vera – An old injury is causing her much pain. She is on an antibiotic and morphine.

How to pray for me:

• That my walk with the Lord would be vibrant and that I would be sensitve to His leading
• That I would have discernment to know how to minister to those God has called me to, especially during this troubled time in Kenya
• That I would have wisdom to know when to travel to my house at Matunda