All in two hours

Two days ago, I had some very interesting encounters.

We have been experiencing political upheaval and Kenyans are trying to get back to normal life as best they can. This now involves getting updated on the likelihood of and location of mass protests before one leaves the house. These protests morph into encounters between "protestors" or in my view thugs, and the GSU and can turn ugly. In the spirit of getting on with life, I set off to run a few errands all within a short distance of where I live.

A short bus ride later, well longer than most due to hideous traffic, I met this woman who proceeded in a rather dramatic manner to say, "Where are you heading to? They are coming!"
Now, usually if someone were to speak to you that way, you would find it rather intrusive. After our last few days I sked, "Where are they coming from and where are they headed?" They here refers to the groups of "protesters" mostly thugs and looters who cause chaos and mayhem in the name of opposing the election results. This is an extremely frightening and dangerous group and the aim is to avoid them and the ever present GSU (our anti-riot cops)at all costs. Sure enough, a truckload of GSU proceeded to pass us to an unknown destination. All I could think of was, oh boy, not again!

So, I cut short my trip and boarded another bus that would take a longer route but avoid the mayhem. Due to the traffic which was at this time one big parking lot, I opted to walk. A few seconds after I alighted, a speeding motorcade driving on the wrong side of the road (my side), forced motorists off the road to give way. Oh, and myself as well. This motorcade was Opposition leaders fleeing from a prayer session where some "demonstrators" began harrassing motorists. The GSU hurled teargas canisters and everyone fled for dear life. These demonstrators are the same "they" mentioned earlier.

So, in a bid to get on with business as usual and avoid the "protestors", I literally walked straight into them. I must say that all feelings of bravado vanish as one begins to ponder on how they can climb the nearest tree or flee to the nearest exit if all hell were to break loose. I returned home soon after quite dazed.

I did however meet an elderly woman, who seemingly oblivious to all that was going on around her (as opposition leaders sped past her), had proceeded to sit on the side of the road. Concerned for her safety and a little curious, I asked her if she needed any assistance. She said she was simply very tired, had walked a long way, and needed to rest before she continued her journey. She then launched into a lecture on how people of my generation do not excercise and how wealth is no substitute for good health. She also said younger people do not seek out the elderly or ignore them altogether. With these admonishments, I proceeded to challenge her to a brisk walk up the hill out of harm's way and a healthy treat, some fruits. She accepted, set off faster than I could keep up and was soon on her way.

All in two hours........

Sadly Kenya

It's about 4am, and can hardly sleep. Disheartening thoughts of the goings on in my country are constantly going through my mind.

What exactly is happening? Well, Kenya held its general elections on 27th Dec, 2007. Voter turnout was pretty impressive and the queues just as impressive. Personally, I stood in line for almost five hours. But hey, it's only once in 5 years.

On 30th Dec, election results were announced amidst allegations and reports of flaws in the results posted. Basically, our incumbent President, Mwai Kibaki was accused of having tampered with results. Raila Odinga says he is the rightful winner. At this point in time, I will not argue about the discrepancies of the election process, but comment on the saddening turn of events thereafter.

Well, in a word-mayhem. Acts of violence including lynching, looting, murder, arson and targeting of persons because of their political affiliation are being carried out. So far, over 200 people have been killed and 73,000 displaced from their homes. Affected areas include Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret and parts of Nairobi.

These acts of violence are taking on an ethnic twist, with attacks focussing on "punishing' members of certain communities for their political stand. This is deeply disconcerting.
Kenya is multi-ethnic with the larger communities being Kikuyu, Luo and Luhya. All these communities plus the smaller communities create an incredibly dynamic society. The focus on ethnic differences as a political device is a legacy from the British colonialists, and has been perpeuated by our politicians over the years---divide and conquer.

We all know what perceived ethnic divisions lead to..destruction. The selfishness and narrow mindedness of wicked people can not be allowed to prevail. Kenya has long been held to be a bastion of peace in the region and in the continent. No ambitions of any political leader are worth the price to be paid. Citizens must remember, a leader is nothing without his followers, a prince nothing without his kingdom. We are the ones to determine where our country is headed......not the politician, who will probably jet off as soon as trouble strikes. They are not the ones being needlessly massacred..I mean burning down a church with women and children...have we gone mad? We are the tools of good or evil. Don't incite your neighbour, don't attack or steal from your neighbour...that is power. After all, how much good have our politicians done? Will they build your home when it is destroyed, feed and clothe your family when you are killed?

We must be wise. For a moment, forget about all the complaints, insinuations and comments from foreigners and Kenyans as well...calm and sanity must be restored. Forget about media reports focusing doom and gloom, and for a moment remember...we are one country, everyone else wil leave, but this is our home. We have the responsibility of sorting out our problems..peacefully and sensibly.