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Nakuru Town is Shut Down

Nakuru Town is Shut Down

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Mission in Action – Australia
Date: Jan 25, 2008 9:30 PM
Subject: “Nakuru Town is Shut Down”
To: studentprojectafricanetwork

Trouble is escalating in Nakuru and I have never felt so scared for MIA and the people of Nakuru. The people that many of us know and love… This is out of control and there is nothing we can do for them.. As I type this my hands are sweating and my eyes are welling up with tears.

Mary and the girls are still enroute to Nairobi and then has to make the very unsafe drive home to Nakuru. She has stressed the point that she NEEDS to be home with her children. I will update the site as soon as I hear they are home safe.

The update I have received over the phone from Tammi as she spoke to Ivan is below. You can see more info on the website as well… I will keep it as updated as I can. Some of you will not know the people named below but they are some of our workers who are a big part of our family….

The Kikuyus have said that for every one Kikuyu killed in Eldoret, 2 Kalenjins will be killed in Nakuru. Apparently (from Ivan) the road up to Piave has people waiting with bows and arrows, manchette’s and other weapons incase they are attacked, they are ready to fight. The roads into Nakuru have been blocked and there are checks going on everywhere in Nakuru. One staff member said that the Kikuyus are asking everyone who is not kikuyu to get out of matatus and they are fighting (if not killing) them. So matatus and cars are rarely on the road. They are also targeting the Luo tribe (Anishas tribe) as they are thought to have voted for Raila.

Ivan had to send Wesley back to his home for the orphanages safety, as he is Kalenjin so some prayers his way wouldn’t hurt! There is a good chance that he will have to fight.

Last night was expected to be a very tense night and the violence is ALOT worse than when I was there. As I spoke to Ivan there was a fight happening in Molo, not too far away and many fires.

In town the GSU (riot police) have bee deployed but there are still MANY fires. They are even starting fires during the day! Outside our friends orphanage there are fires that Ivan could see as he spoke to me.

There is talk over there of the violence entering the showground. I’ve seen the showground with my own eyes and if they go there things are going to get a lot worse, there are thousands of people there. Many (if not all) are there because they were scared to be in their own town. Now they’ve tracked them down and are ready to kill them. This is escalating beyond belief

Sarah Eaton
Mission in Action
Nakuru Baby Orphanage

By |2017-04-10T11:17:47-04:00January 25th, 2008|2008, Out of Africa|0 Comments

Post-election turmoil in Kenya, 25 Jan 2008

The next morning

SMS from Jacintah, 25-Jan-08, 21:08
“At least the morning has come. We don’t know wat next. Part of Pistis neighbourhood houses have been burnt. I don’t know

[where] we r heading.Tension is very high.”

SMS from Jacintah, 25-Jan-08, 23:49
“Gun shots r heard. People r chased. Pistis is in the middle of all thats happening.”

And through a phone conversation I learned the photos from Gladys’ email showcase an estimated 2,000 displaced or homeless individuals. While the Red Cross is working to support those people in the ball park, Pistis remains without financial nor material support. I fear the food will run dry quickly, having seen 90kg bags of beans and rice consumed daily, even when rationed.

My sys admin and I have completed the new donations form for SPAN. We are now moving to raise funds to send to Cameron, Executive Board member who is in Pistis now. With these funds he will purchase food, clothing, beds, and soap for the children. Please consider a donation of any value.

By |2023-11-20T16:08:09-04:00January 25th, 2008|2008, Out of Africa|0 Comments

Post-election turmoil in Kenya, 24 Jan 2008

A sleepless night in Nakuru
I stepped away from my office for a few minutes to fix a late lunch in our office kitchen. Upon return to my desk, I noticed three missed calls and a text from Jacintah in Nakuru, Kenya.

SMS from Jacintah, 24-Jan-08, “PRAY, WE R SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE WHO’VE SWORDS, LIVE GUN SHOTS N ARROWS HERE IN NAKURU. NO PEACE BUT MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON US N SAVE OUR NATION”

I immediately called her back. Her voice was shaking. It is 2:00 am there. She cannot sleep for the yelling and gun fire. Her family, my host family, is scared to sleep indoors for fear of a fire bomb hitting their house, but outside is equally scary, and cold. A house was burned just down the alley and across the street. It was all I could do to not cry while listening to her.

She echoed her brother’s email in sharing how the thugs are neither motivated by the politics nor inter-tribal tension, rather taking advantage of the chaos for personal gain.

It is nearly impossible for me to sit here, with everything I could ever want in life, in a safe neighborhood where I can freely walk to and from work, and not drive to Denver to catch the next plane to Kenya. I don’t know if I will do more good here where I can raise funds and help coordinate relief, or there where I can be with the children whom I have come to know and those who are new to Pistis, to offer some level of comfort, perhaps protection.

I remember the riots following the Rodney King trials in California in the early ’90s and realize this can happen anywhere. But it truly hits home when it is a place that I have been, to people I hold dear. I just hope the next call I receive from Jacintah is one of her waking to a peaceful day and a sky filled with blue in place of burning grey.

By |2023-11-20T16:09:58-04:00January 24th, 2008|2008, Out of Africa|0 Comments

Post-election turmoil in Kenya, 24 Jan 2008

Hi Kai!

Attacks were real, people have been killed yester night and more tension, fear and more displacement and loss of jobs as people seek refuge elsewhere. Nakuru has been calm till yesterday when some of … boys were spotted in groups and were confirmed to be non-residents of Nakuru.

More fightings, between groups of different ethnicity, resulting into death, damages and destruction of people’s properties. The killings happened at northwest of Pistis about 1 kilometer from the school. It is unfortunate that I can’t be able to give out the exact number of the casualty and death. But is reported to be more 5 or so were killed.

Kenyans, Nakuru in particular have been watching Hollywood productions and always felt like its good to watch movies in the cinemas and this is really war/fighting, never had experience of such. Now! Things are no longer in the Hollywood or cinemas but it is happening, gunshots weren’t heard by most of people, unless through electronics today a different story.

Results of the killings are demoralizing and have let us down in most areas of our concern. Respect, love, unity, harmony, friendship, neighborhood … are being killed by hatred and tribalism. Political differences may rip us apart.

Post-election, yes! post election, I think it is not election result that are fueling people to turn against each other, but my perspective is idle and inoperative people have taken advantage of the situation to loot and acquire things in a wrong way.

As much as they have support of their … Who will come publicly and say my supporter have been arrested without any wrong committed? At the scene of crime, in possession of goods without a trace of legal ownership, I forbid that. They are criminals not their supporters, if yes, are really supporters then the first and foremost criminal is that politician in defense of the criminal arrested by the police.

Politicians are the most to be blamed of every single blood drop from innocent Kenyans. People are killed by their supporter and no one, even a single political leader have publicly cursed the killings. They have remained mum and it’s like nothing is happening in their area of vicinity.

Some of them come out publicly and claim their people are being killed and are displaced yet at night they support the intrusion of other people’s properties and even to an extent robbing and killing. People.

What are Kenyan politicians? Self seekers, greedy to grab, unpatriotic, power hungry, un-visionary, money seekers, looters, people who want to be small gods [for] their supporters. These are politicians who think that they are leaders. It applies to them in opposition and Government.

I support every cause of unity and friendship among the people of Kenya and our friends who are with us in prayers and thinking of positive happenings Kenya.

Friends you are all dear to me and my family, my neighbor and my nation. I do write to express my concern to all of you that nothing can be solved unless hands are put together, a friend in need comes in the very time of the need of his help. We need your moral support and more so closeness in every way you may see us through this burning moments.

Kai, thank you for every encouragement you’ve had for us every singe help financially and morally.

Wycliffe

By |2008-01-24T15:25:08-04:00January 24th, 2008|2008, Out of Africa|0 Comments

Post-election turmoil in Kenya, 24 Jan 2008

Dear friends,
Receive very warm greetings from us. It is our sincere hope that you minds are on Kenya as the country passes through a trying time. As a destitute centre, we too have received a part of the displaced children from the rift valley and we are now all calling for help from all friends. Kindly read the attached mail and the photos and share with the willing, touched by the plight of the children. God bless you.
Regards,
Gladys

displaced kids displaced kids displaced kids displaced kids

displaced kids displaced kids displaced kids displaced kids

By |2017-04-10T11:17:47-04:00January 24th, 2008|2008, Out of Africa|0 Comments

Post-election turmoil in Kenya, 22 Jan 2008

More orphans than resources
As more than a quarter million Kenyans have left or lost their homes in the past month, there are many children now homeless. The Kenyan government has mandated that key orphanages receive additional children, including Pistis. The following are a series of text messages from Jacintah, a staff member of the Pistis Academy and Orphanage and member of my host family.

SMS from Jacintah, 19-Jan-08, 02:40
“Children who r displaced du 2 the caos in kenya r being distributed at the orphanages around our towns. We’ll be given abt 10 or more kids for temporary stay.”

SMS from Jacintah, 19-Jan-08, [n/a]
“The children will be coming monday afta passing thro court.”

SMS from Jacintah, 21-Jan-2008 04:50
“HI, we have been given 20 kids who’r displaced they’r all 10 years n below.”

SMS from Jacintah, 22-Jan-2008 04:35
“Guess what! We’ve been given 10 more kids 2day n stil expecting more anytime.”

SMS from Jacintah, 22-Jan-2008 08:45
“As per now we’r in need of blankets, matresses, food, school uniforms, books, soap n medicine. Nway the list is endless. Thank u 4 ur concern n love abt us.”

Unfortunately, the government is not at this time offering financial assistance which places a tremendous burden on Pistis for the price of food has sky-rocketed and availability remains low. This may be the greatest, long term crises to face. SPAN is now receiving additional donations for Pistis.

Thank you! –kai

By |2013-10-08T20:52:21-04:00January 22nd, 2008|2008, Out of Africa|0 Comments

Post-election turmoil in Kenya, 20 Jan 2008

Text messages, email, and the news
The following are a series of text messages and email from Jacintah and her brother Wycliffe. We have remained in communication, nearly every other day this past month. I am privileged to receive these daily updates and then contrast/compare to the news as presented by NPR, as follows.

SMS from Jacintah, 08-Jan-08, 07:45
“At least peace is kaming n seen. President is expected 2 meet opposition leader in order 2 have dialoge n reconciliation. The person uniting is president of ghana.”

SMS from Jacintah, 16-Jan-08, 07:45
“Jambo! Hope ok. We’re doing fine tho today other towns r having peaceful demonstration bt people have been shot n wounded at kisumu town.”

At this point, I had just listened to an hour long program on the Sirius NRP Talk station. I do not recall the guests’ names nor their respective titles, but a number of important points were addressed, including discussion of whether or not Kenya could become another Rwanda. This is what I gleaned from the program, my own paraphrasing applied:

Rwanda was fully planned, an exacting execution of genocide through the use of military and powerful “hate radio” propaganda. Rwanda was an ethnic battle with political overtones. The guests concluded, “What is unfolding in Kenya is political with ethnic overtones … and is not likely to become something more.”

When asked about the foundation of the ethnic tension that is boiling to the surface, one of the guests described two potential causes:

In the ’50s, when Kenyans began to organize to gain political power, the then controlling British made certain the tribes were not able to work together by curbing political parties along tribal boundaries. This ensured these new political bodies could not gain too much momentum, too quickly. It stands to reason that just fifty years later tension along these traditional boundaries remain fueled, in part, by the former British rule.

When the British exited Kenya, large plots of land, ranches and plantations were sold back to native Kenyans. In the Rift Valley in particular, those who often purchased the land were not originally from the Rift Valley, but from the central regions of Kenya, creating tension between the Rift locals and those who obtained the land.

Come forward fifty years and President Mwai Kibaki regains office by what appears to be fraud. As Kibaki is of one of the two largest tribes “Kikuyu”, the underlying tension for tribal power is amplified in a region which already harbors an elevated level of tension, and Jacintah’s text message (below) hits home.

SMS from Jacintah, 18-Jan-08, 07:45
“But the problem is now being seen as tribal, personal n above all hatred is wat is seen in xperienced.”

Email from Wicliffe, 18-Jan-08, 18:13
“Nakuru is calming down for the last three days. I witnessed good progress despite the mass movement call from ODM part. I hope this will be in the whole country in the near future. Other towns are really affected about 20 people have been killed for last three days of protest. In Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and Mombasa most affected cities.”

Of course, nothing is as simple as a + b = riots, but it helps to understand some of the history, the potential fuel for these fires. The worst thing the media, any of us can do is turn a blind eye to the strife and write it off as simply “an African tribal affair” for this invokes an emotional shield, a safe disconnect. Everyone belongs to a tribe in this world, whether it is our family, our church, our school, our town, or our State. Consider what would be required to cause such a response in our selves or our neighbors; what would cause the breakdown of our societal norm –then seek empathy for those who are experiencing this now.

By |2017-04-10T11:17:47-04:00January 20th, 2008|2008, Out of Africa|0 Comments

The Simple Life at Hueco Tanks

Early climber gets a spot
I sit in the passenger seat of my Subaru Outback Sport, the sun rising to my right over the East Spur of Hueco Tanks State Park, twenty miles outside of El Paso, Texas. My car’s thermometer reads 25F degrees. The wind has fallen silent for the first time in a week, giving the desert a welcomed calm which enables the sun’s warmth to be fully received. I will likely remove two of the four layers I now wear before I am allowed into the park.

standing in line really hard Anyone have more tape? Kai

I rose at 6 am and drove from the Hueco Rock Ranch to the park entrance, again the third in line. I may jump on a volunteer tour by 10, or wait till noon to gain access to North Mountain. My cell phone dangles by its USB tether from the driver’s side visor, facing due West to a gap in the mountains which apparently enables a very narrow band to the desired Edge connection. With this digital lifeline I am able to work until allowed into the park, and again at night following dinner and time spent in the Barn or around the fire.

It’s a strange juxtaposition, to let go of the comforts of modern accommodations, to camp in the middle of a high, wind scorched desert outside an historic border town, to watch the sky catch fire by the hand of our own sun before it gives way to the countless suns of the night sky, and then to slip into the world of electrons whose messages carry reminders of the deadlines and demands of those who awake each morning for a very different reason.

girl-on-blah.jpg

The Rock Ranch
The Ranch was established in the mid ’90s by the late Todd Skinner and friends, and is now owned and operated by Rob Rice. It consists of a 2-story house and hotel, the “Barn”, two fire pits, slack lines, a dog kennel, and a few dozen camping spots set among ten acres of creosote bush, prickly pear, and ocotillo. The house/hotel offers a higher quality standard of living with nightly socializing away from the intense Foosball games in the Barn. The Barn houses a never-really-worked tuner and speakers, Foosball table, hot shower, card tables and cross-selection of donated couches which have long since reached the end of their intended life.

Mushroom boulder closed

This is the year the Park Service permanently closed the Mushroom boulder, as presented at the Rock Ranch. Too much top soil lost, artifacts destroyed by the pressures of overuse. The majority of the climbers responded by asking why the Park Service didn’t take precautionary measures sooner, to protect and preserve instead of waiting until it was for the most part, too late. The Park admitted to having not managed the area well, inspecting hot spots too seldom. Sad, for the artifacts and for the climbers too.

Jordon

A climbing mecca
People come from around the world to climb at Hueco Tanks, three or four languages spoken each night around the fire. And yet it feels like a family reunion for the faces are familiar from previous years at Hueco and commonplace meetings at Joshua Tree, Bishop, or Rocky Mountain National Park. Despite the countless tens of thousands of committed climbers world-wide, the bouldering community feels small when I consider the number of familiar faces over so many miles, a perpetually unfolding journey to mecca, year after year.

Prairie

Sedan roof racks sport crash pads, cargo vans with built-in kitchens, mini-RVs and pull along trailers, all adorned with an ornamental myriad of stickers promoting peace, climbing, and intentional homelessness by high school and college graduates who prefer the challenge of climbing a rock than a corporate ladder.

It’s a simple life, focused almost entirely on improving the mind and body for just one purpose –to climb harder. Some people climb one day on, one day off; some two days on, and then rest. Some come for just a few days or one week and push themselves to the limit, climbing four or five days straight which inevitably results in a donation of blood to the granitic god who turns crimson to brown; fingers taped, muscle tissue torn, wrapped, and bandaged.

high desert sunset

Silhouetted against the midnight flames are animated bodies whose legs, arms, and fingers retell the epic battle of the day, each move accompanied with the sounds of explosive release, cries of pain, and ultimate victory. The dances by fire light are the retelling of battles lost or won not with an enemy, but with an ancient companion whose uplifted magma chamber eroded into the perfect training ground for the climber’s soul.

By |2017-04-10T11:17:47-04:00January 10th, 2008|From the Road|0 Comments

Post-election turmoil in Kenya, 7 Jan 2008

Gladys writes, “We at C.M.D/Pistis, are safe and sound. Protesters and armies of destruction have destroyed and raged kiosks, shops and somse houses around us. It is hit and run style of tactics. The refugees (asylum seekers) whose houses were burnt down, now some are housed at C.M.D/Pistis, have made us receive threats of harbouring thugs. The threats are real, which is threatening our survival. Govt security is aware.

Also, we are experiencing food shortage to feed all and sundry. The available food on market are very expensive because prices have skyrocketed.”

By |2008-01-07T17:13:39-04:00January 7th, 2008|2008, Out of Africa|0 Comments

Post-election turmoil in Kenya, 3 Jan 2008

Dear Partners,

We write to wish you happy blessed New Year, 2008. We had a memorable year 2007 and thank you for your support during the year. It was a year of unprecedented miracles … we are grateful to you.

We have had general election on 27th December 2007. The post election has violence has claimed over 150 people killed hundreds of others injured in violence sparued by disputed results of the presidential election won by Mr Mwai Kibaki. Kenya is severely damaged due to disputes over the outcome. Both sides (Government and opposition) are alleging rigging and have taken extreme positions. Never has there been so much animosity between people who have lived together as good neighbours for many years.

Food and fuel is hiking and youths blocking roads and burning property as they protest at results of presidential role. Most of the businesses remained closed for the third day running. The few that open priced their goods exorbitantly with a bunch of kales going for 50 Ksh from 5 Ksh. Sugar maize flour beef and vegetables have disappeared as traders remain indoors for their own security. Meanwhile, the Government is assuring the country that its security force would contain the post-election violence. Pray with us for our stock of food and cash as CMD is drilling. Secondly that peace be restored to our beautiful country. That all Kenyans cherish the peace and stability that we have enjoyed from God and live together in tolerance and mutual respect.

Lastly, as we make the New Year, we wish you a happy and blessed prosperous mew year 2008. God richly bless you.

Bishop Laban and Rev Gladys Wekesa
CMD

By |2017-04-10T11:17:47-04:00January 3rd, 2008|2008, Out of Africa|0 Comments
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