Kenyans had their closest elections to date on 27th Dec. People turned out in large numbers to cast their votes in a very close-run elections. By the end of 28th December, the results were nowhere near being announced, people became uneasy and rigging was claimed. On 30th December, amidst tense situation, the incumbent president Mwai Kibaki was announced the winner and hurriedly sworn in. His main contender was Raila Odinga was leading by a large margin and slowly saw his lead evaporate. His ODM party won overwhelmingly the majority parlimentary seats. Live TV coverage was immediately banned. The New Year ushered in violence never before seen in the normally peaceful country. Claims of genocide from both parties as violence is taking on an ugly tribalistic base. Archbishop Desmond Tutu was in Kenya and spoke to Raila Odinga in a hope to mediate. He was not granted an interview by Pres. Kibaki as yet. As of today, there is still stalemate between the two.
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All Kenyans are calling out for peace. Yesterday all the daily newspapers had the same headline “Save our Beloved Country” and the same commentary appealing for peace from the two leaders.
One of the many great articles appearing in Kenya daily papers
Yes the fight is along those lines of Rwanda tribal clashes. President Kibaki is from the Kikuyu tribe and Raila Odinga from the Luo tribe...However Odinga's party ODM has a cross-sections of most of the other tribes in Kenya. So roughly its looking like Kikuyus against all the other tribes. Its became very ugly when some Kikuyus in the Rift Valley town of Eldoret (which is not a traditionally Kikuyu location) sought refuge in a church and the church was burnt down with 30-50 dead including some children . Death count was difficult as some were reduced to ashes. Nothing is sacred any more.
The city of Kisumu is Raila Odinga stronghold and saw lot of violence and looting of businesses. Most business owned by Asians. I hear plane loads of Asians flew into Kampala, Uganda. Ironic...because 35 years ago, the same Asians were fleeing Uganda from Idi Amin. How situations change here.
No sorry perhaps I was not clear...they are not targetting asians...basically looting shops in a city where predominantly shops owned by asians. But everyone is on high alert. Asians have flown out of Kisumu as they probly can afford to do so....and also likely to have a network of family/friends in Uganda/Tanzania. And historically we are the easiest of targets when things get out of hand :(
Otherwise most of the violence is mainly in slums (in the cities) and rural areas. The poor people who, as it is have very little, have lost even that. Famous african proverb describes our situation...When the elephants fight it is the grass that suffers.
Latest is that President Kibaki is meeting with Desmond Tutu...(finally)..we all holding our breaths!