The vote was unfair as many Kenyans had feared. It was known from the start that the margin between Kibaki and the opposition leader Raila Odinga was extrememely tight and unfortunately that has been used to the incumbent's advantage. The electoral commission admits that they aren't sure that Kibaki is the winner. It's heartbreaking because the democratic process is so highly valued among Kenyans, and there was such an aura of hope surrounding this election...that it could be the first fair and free election in their indpendant history. I feel so empathetic as an American who's vote didn't count in 2000. What a frustrating, enraging, unjust way to be treated. It's understandable that people are mad enough to be violent, after being placated by their supposedly democratic government.
The scariest part of this whole mess is the ethnic element. Kenya is an eclectic mix of tribes, with over 40 represented within the country's borders. The majority tribe, Kikuyu, are mainly centered around Nairobi and Nakuru. Kibaki is a Kikuyu. Western Kenya is home to the second-largest tribe, the Luo of which Raila Odinga is a member. The election "results" have caused genocide-like violence of Kikuyu's vs. Luos.
My friends in Bungoma are safe, but separated. Jeff (who is a Luo) has been stuck in Nairobi since the 26th as it is very very unsafe to travel. Liz's extended family are all still there from the holidays so I'm glad she isn't alone but everyone still has to stay indoors.
The orphanage is okay as well, although it sounds like a pretty scary place to be right now. Here's an excerpt from an email from Juan yesterday:
"none of us have come in to town for a few days which is why I'm only just going through my emails. In all honesty the situation hasn't been good. There has been looting and fires all around. Two nights ago the riots reached Githima, a huge crowd of men protecting the village clashed with those coming to loot. The riots moved to right outside our gate, some trespassed but were chased out. We have all been sleeping in the same building for the last three nights, up in the new girl's dorm. That way we find it easier to control the situation at night. The watchmen are doing great. Last night things were much quieter as the police and army moved in. We have been hearing gunfire every night though we trust they come from police dispersing crowds. We have emptied all rooms of valuable belongings and hiden them in the roofs. At night the children go into the room early and we put movies on until they fall asleep. The young ones are nearly oblivious, the older ones much more distressed. Today they have gone out to play and the atmosphere seems much better. I have phoned Gideon to ask for extra guards, he says they are all taken from around the area. I phoned the police officer I knew and he said that they cannot spare another one since they are so in demand, in any case a lot have left town. We stopped the local soldiers on their patrol yesterday. I explained to them what we were and the situation over the last few nights and they are fully behind protecting us. Also the whole village is intent on protecting us. They have been doing amazing, men stay up all night watching and looking for signs of trouble. I don't know if things are going to get better or worse, impossible to tell. The news broadcasting has been highly controlled and thus very few real news are reaching us, apart form internet. Talked to Clarrison in Pokot, he suggested we go there but I said the roads will be too dangerous, moreover there will be less food. The general concensus is that food here in Nakuru is running out too, already prices near us are 3 times what they were a few days ago. I have also phoned the assistant to the DCO, he highly reccomends staying put. Frankly, if the soldiers and police patrol like they did last night then so do I. Work wise, everything has stood still, David doens't come in to work as he is with crowds protecting the village, Papa and other farmer can't come into town because of road blocks. Mary can't finish making the uniforms for same reason. We wonder how it is going to happen if and when school starts next week."
I feel so useless and disconnected and far away. I have written to the American and Kenyan embassies and Barack Obama to try and pressure them to have a 3rd party intervene but I'm sure on the whole this is not that effective. I wish I was there with everyone.
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