Update

Hmm last post was a little negative, but there's still not any GREAT news to report. I've been trying to stay on top of the negotiations underway with Kibaki, Raila, the AU, and the Ghanian president Kufuor. Unfortunately it still looks like no one is really making headway.

I spoke with Jeff Ouma 2 nights ago, and his news was quite grim. I can hear the defeat and depression in his voice. He remains stuck in Nairobi, and does not think travel home is possible at this juncture. As an example he told me about his friend who left Kitale on the 28th, and just arrived yesterday. It took 10,000 KSh and several bribes to make it to Nairobi. This friend is also suffering from shock, and looking for counseling because of all the rotting bodies and horrific sights he saw on his journey.

Jeff says that the government is covering up the amount of casualties, which are much higher than our news reports of around 600. He said that although the curfew has been lifted, he and others are still concerned about the gagging of the media and lack of freedom to assemble. It is his feeling that postponing the opposition rallies is not allowing the people to voice their opinions, and adding to the time bomb. The Kikuyus are acting quite "arrogant" as he put it, running around and beating their chests in a victory dance. He also said that after this, no one would ever trust Kikuyus again.

The most dangerous faction at this point is the Pokot/Kalenjin alliance, who are armed and according to Jeff, perpetrating most of the violence against Kikuyus. This is all in retribution for the land that was taken back in the 60's during the Kenyatta regime; land that they intend to reclaim from the Kikuyus. I am concerned about this because the town of Nakuru is an area Jeff says they are planning to take by force. I am worried for my friend Pauline and her family, and I sent Carol a message with the above information. Although the children are Pokot, the surrounding neighborhood is heavily Kikuyu and there has already been much unrest and rioting.

Jeff was optimistic about the Ghanian president's meetings and continues to pray for justice. It is just heartbreaking to hear the pain in his voice though because I saw firsthand how optimistic he was for this election. In fact, we talked about politics quite a bit during my visit.

The gentlemen that I met throught the Quaker Friends' Meeting are putting a donation together to wire to Jeff, as he is unable to make any money from speaking engagements right now. As for IHF, I am collecting recyclables for an emergency fund and also going to San Diego this week for a swap meet.

Peace peace PEACE out,
Angela