Leaving Nairobi
After lots of back and forth and mental anguish for me I have decided to head back to Johannesburg where I’m currently based. It’s been a tough day. I’m from a multi-ethnic background and I feel like I’m being hit on all sides - family stranded in Kericho, no word from family in Kisumu and Western, in-laws under siege in Nakuru, relatives businesses being looted at the Coast, my mother emptying out her two stalls at Kenyatta market and carrying out things in plastic bags and duffel bags because mobs have threatened to burn down the market tomorrow - that’s her livelihood - it’s bad enough that she’s had no business for most of December. We are all feeling so helpless and are reduced to platitudes like “let’s hope for the best” and all “we can do is pray” and “it will end soon” and “these guys need to do something” but all we are doing is masking our fear that we are on a precipice.
I leave tomorrow afternoon, if we get to the airport OK. I have practically changed my ticket three times. That’s how conflicted I am.
I LOVE Kenya. That’s the only reason I’ve spent the last week practically chained to my laptop so that I can chronicle the unfolding events and keep folks who have no access to information updated. But like many of you out there, I find myself living a dual life for professional and personal reasons. And I’m battling with the feeling that I am leaving Nairobi just when I am needed here the most (actually I am).
After a sleepless night last night, I came to the conclusion that though I could push the limits, as a parent, I have to put my child’s safety above my passion (she better not talk back when she’s a teenager!).
I will continue blogging events from Joburg and will try and get back to Nairobi in a few weeks once my guys are situated at home.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your words of encouragement and support, for sharing your stories (keep them coming), for sharing your opinions, for tolerating my draconian stance about comments (trust me I’d rather not have to moderate, it’s not an easy task), and for reminding me why I love Kenya so much even at its ugliest.
Popularity: 6% [?]
on January 2nd, 2008 at 15:41
God speed and may God protect your family as well as all Kenyans out there currently suffering and in harms way during this time.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 15:44
Hello Ory
We love you. You don’t owe anybody anything yet you have given so much. Your service to your country at this crucial hour has sustained our thirst for information. Go ahead and take care of your family. We have no doubt that you have given it all you can. Safe travels. I pray for the best for you and your family and pass your mum our warmest regards for giving birth to such a wonderful human being.
Admirer.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 15:45
All I can say is stay safe and all the best. Thank you for the invaluable updates. We will certainly miss you for that.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 15:49
Ory,
I can appreciate your being torn over the decision, especially with so many family members you would be leaving behind! I have really appreciated your committment to what you are doing. I wish you the best. Have a safe journey and stay in touch with us if you can.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 15:54
The best. keep the dota safe first if you can.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 15:56
Ory, sounds like a wise and reasonable decision. Like you, I believe the most productive thing to do is regain some sense of normalcy and reconstitute the lives we’ve always lived. In the midst of tradgedy that has always been the most effective respite and certainly Kenya is now more a figurative tradgedy than a literal one, things could yet get worse AND they could also get a whole lot better if collectively we keep our wits about us……
You’re keeping your’s.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 15:57
As a parent, I understand that the kids must come first. Thank you for all that you’ve done.
Would you ever have imagined seeking peace and shelter in Jo’burg!
on January 2nd, 2008 at 15:59
Hi, asante sana for everything. Can you recommend any other bloggers out there? Over the past few days I have grown to depend on you for info.
I Pray that you get safely to the airport. Have a safe trip.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 15:59
Kenya is greater than the sum of its parts, and it will always be. I believe the ship has left port on this issue; if it hadn’t, we wouldn’t see so much passion around the just concluded election as we have seen. The PEOPLE turned up in overwhelming numbers to exercise their civic responsibility; our LEADERS have failed us….both of them. My belief is that leadership is a calling…one is called to serve others. They have not served the PEOPLE by digging in their heels they way the have, and by not acting expediently to quelch the violence and loss of life.
Here’s my platitude: the PEOPLE power and the international community will be too overwhelming to preclude a short-term solution to this problem.
Your blog has been one of the few forums available to many of us in the diaspora to voice our opinions, and hear those of others.
One of my favorite quotes is, “You Cannot test Courage Cautiously.” You’ve done a great and courageous service to your country over the last week…now it’s time to do a great and courageous service to your family.
Godspeed in your travels.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:01
All the best Ory and I hope that you will get to the airport successfully. You have done great work and will continue doing so. It is best to do it at a safe place especially for your family so you need to take care of that. Thanks once again.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:02
Ory,
Though it has been lost in the midst of all the post-election violence, your contribution to Kenya through Mzalendo and the subsequent parliamentary losses of non-perfoming, self entitled and corrupt members of the last parliament stands as a true testament of what is possible and why there is still hope for this country. I encourage you to continue to blaze the path of justice, to continue to seek truth and to hold our leaders to higher standards of accountability and whenever possible, to stand among those leaders and be counted.
Pole to hear about your own mother being affected, and pole to all Kenyans of whatever ethnic and cultural identity, of whatever background, who are affected and caught in between, but who continue to show fortitude and resilience in the face of untold suffering.
Godspeed!
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:08
Go well, Ory! I have followed your updates since, using them to update friends here in the UK on our own network, and even friends back home during that brief ‘media blackout’. We will miss you!
Asante sana, Mungu awe nawe…
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:09
Ory,
Thanks a million times, my husband and I appreciate all the information. It was highly needed. You are one of a kind–one hot mama who can juggle between a daughter, husband, blogging etc. Have a happy new year and travel safely.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:09
i was wondering when u were leaving coz i dont think its that safe for the baby.
as much i depend on ur blog 4 updates.
we are kenyans..we will find a way to get informed.. ama?
otherwise Asante sana for a job well done.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:22
Ory — THANK YOU SO MUCH ! You have been a God Send.
Your safety and your families safety is of atmost importance. You will still contribute from afar !
I appreciate the moderation and effort as you have helped keep this blog impartial.
This message was heartwarming, you truly brought me to tears. It must not have been an easy decision. So sorry that your family on both sides have been affected.
Travel safely Inshallah. God Bless
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:23
Thanks Ory sad to see you go but as a mother I understand. Thanks for keeping me up to date with events on the ground. I have also appreciated reading the comments of all those who post here. Thanks and best wishes.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:25
God speed, Ory and thanx alot for the service you’re offering all of us (in Kenya and abroad).
Just a quick thought about tomorrow’s ‘peace’ rally. What we need right now as Kenyans is peace and supplies. If we could all step aside from the politics, we would realize that what we need most is to stay alive. If this rally was to go ahead and an open-air market was also facilitated at Uhuru Park with all the precious commodities that we have run out of like FOOD, more than a million people would definitely attend from all communities. Let’s face it, we’re fed up with the politics and the politicians are well-fed, have shelter, and have probably already booked their flights out of here if things get thick. Let’s wake up Kenyans. These guys don’t care about our problems. Why do we encourage them to continue hurting us?
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:29
Dear Ory,
Thanks for the updates. We are so grateful for your commitment to sharing news at such a trying time. Take care of your Dota, someday she will realise what we already know, that her mum is a mzalendo, who reassured innumerable Kenyans when few words could capture the situation.
Aluta continua, the defence through the pen and the voice will continue.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:31
Thanks alot Ory for keeping us upadated with the situation in Kenya. That was so wonderful of you. i wish you all the best in your travel to Johanesburg.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:32
Ory,
You’ve done a great job and we appreciate your committment and how well you articulate the issues and faithfully too. You are better safe to fight another day. We hope that your family is able to stay safe and that your mum is able to get her possessions out for now but be able to get back her business when a normal life resumes. Will it ever be normal - not like it was before these elections. Our leaders have failed us.
Go well and be safe. Jo’burgers will be happy to receive you.
Best wishes!
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:33
Asante mama. Best wishes & your family in all you do & go through.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:34
Sad to see Kenya go down the drain! On xmas eve i travelled to Nakuru coz my dad wanted us to know our roots, my ailing uncle told us how he fought for our independence, i then realised how beautiful Kenya is from the landscapes to rich culture..now we will loose all that because of selfish and arrogant leaders.. aaaaaaaaaaaaah!it disgusts me!!
Anyway, Ory thanks for keeping us updated so far and wish you all the best ………………………
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:39
Have a safe journey Ory. I can empathise with how torn you feel. My family are at home, and I am not, it is hard. Their business is suffering too.
I discovered your blog last week, and it has helped my anxiety levels.
God bless and thank you, your blog is helping a lot of people.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:43
Ory, I can empathize with your dilemma but family safety comes first. Thank you for your updates. I’ll continue to monitor your blog. Godspeed.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:43
Thank you ever so much .
You are a true patriot that loves this country and it’s people so much-I marvel at the fact you even had to strugg;e to arrive at your decision in view of the small baby you have in tow, that’s is simply amazing!
Have a save and uneventful journey.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:56
Ory
Thanks so so so much for your submissions.
Your have contributed so much to all of us Kenyans already.
Wish you all the best with life in JoBurg
take care and safe travels
Mahtma Gandhi once said
In this world there is enough for everyones needs
but there is not enough for even one persons greed
Kenya is now seriously in need because of the greed of a few people
on January 2nd, 2008 at 16:59
All the best Ory….I hope Kenya does not go past the brink.but after Thursday anything can happen, let us pray.
By the way could you highlight any peace initiaves Kenyans, charirties etc that Kenyans @ home & abroad can participate in?
on January 2nd, 2008 at 17:00
Take a Bow Girl.
You have done good and made your country proud.
Travel safe. Head & Chin up.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 17:01
Ory
Thanks so much for the perfect job, we can understand your decision. We admired you so much for your courage. We’d like to wish you good luck and all the best to your family. We really appreciate the work of your network as we are very much aware of the risks you have all taken. It was all worth it. Wish you a safe trip to J’burg and hope you’ll soon be online again. We’d still like to read your opinion.
We are all anxiously anticipating what will happen kesho at Uhuru Park. Mungu Abariki Kenya!
Asante Sana
Anna and Friends in Germany
on January 2nd, 2008 at 17:03
Many blessings to you and your family Ory, what you have done is amazing. thanks a million for your unbiased information at our time of need, I will keep checking your blog as we go along.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 17:06
Asante sana for providing desperately needed information. I am in the US worrying about friends/family and wondering who I can harrass hear to try to get an improvement on the situation. I have been trying to harrass Barack Obama to make some statements about the violence and to play an active role in the process towards restoring peace b/c he is such a popular figure in Kenya. Let me know if you have any suggestions of what to say or anything else.
God be with your family and all Kenyans
on January 2nd, 2008 at 17:16
Ory,
I echo all the accolades that have been heaped on your work by fellow consumers of your reliable and courageous reporting. Many thanks for a job well done and wish you safe travel.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 17:23
May your immediate family find a safe harbour in Johannesburg and your extended family be safe from grief back home. I will light a candle that this situation will somehow miraculously find some end to the horrible violence.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 17:32
Ory,
Thank you so much for keeping us updated on such crucial matters from home and especially at this very sad and tense time. Your efforts have been very much appreciated. Your family’s safety comes first.
Stay safe and God-speed!!
on January 2nd, 2008 at 17:36
If u can, u are better off leaving, as things dont look good at this rate. Amos Kimunya has announced that they will not meet the Ghanain President and anyone else for that matter. He claims that Kenyans will sort themselves out and dont need help from outside. Mutua is accusing Raila of organising the massacre of those that were burnt alive at the Church. So the attitude by the so-called government is that they will not budge at any cost. No one seems to be in a mood for reconciliation. It looks like it gone be a long rough patch…a very long one
on January 2nd, 2008 at 17:40
thanks and travel well. Kenya must Never Fall!
on January 2nd, 2008 at 17:48
Hey Ory,
Before you leave, I wonder what contacts you have with any of the politicians? Many of us have messages we would like to relay to them but know of no channels to do so.
When these guys were campaigning, they were literally begging for our votes. Unless I am mistaken, only the presidential results are contentious.
When I cast my vote, I had 3 ballot papers:- 1 for the president, 1 for the MP, and 1 for the councillor. I wonder if any of your readers have seen (or heard of) their MP-elect or councillor-elect come to their areas in this time of crisis in our country. Not even to say ‘thank you for voting for us”. If this issue with the presidency is not resolved soon, does that mean that even our vote for the MPs and councillors was all in vain? Why then do we bother to vote? Many Kenyans have lost their lives, lost their homes, are going hungry, … Has any of the MPs who were there in the 9th parliament (considering their very hefty ‘retirement benefits’) even offered a donation to help suffering Kenyans ?
If you can get this message out to any of our leaders (outgoing and incoming), please tell them, “Shame on you all and may God judge you accordingly !!!”
on January 2nd, 2008 at 17:49
Hope your family stays safe. Mine has gone into hiding in Molo and I hope they too will be fine. Your site is one we have relied on for accurate happenings in Kenya. Here, in the US, it is hard to trust the “independent” Kenyan media, but your site has bridged that gap, really.
Be safe.
Let Kenya live.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 17:56
It was a hard decision to make but one that had to be made none the less. I hope for the best for you and your family during this turmoil.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 18:08
I had sambazad your blog like bamba 50! All my friends here were getting up to date information from you! THANK YOU and God speed!
on January 2nd, 2008 at 18:11
Ory, we shall miss your update, but your safety and that of your children are more important. Lets hope the affected members of ur family and all kenyans remain safe.
Have a nice journey,
Abdi.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 18:30
Hi . . . you have to do what you have to do girl! totally understood. Thank you so much for all that you do for us kenyans! Safe trip!
on January 2nd, 2008 at 18:33
Thank you for all the good work.
I pray that all your loved ones will
be safe.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 18:35
I think we all understand your decision to leave-I know many Kenyans who are. This feels like a nightmare. For thsoe of you who wish to help, I enclode this urgent action. I am sitting in New York but am calling every friend I can and asking how we can help. See below:
URGENT ACTION: KORU
Dear Friends,
As you know a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Kenya. The IDP
Network is deeply concerned about the many displaced families across
the country. In some cases, as in Eldoret and Kuresoi people are
poorly protected and in many places the displaced have had no food for
days and are living without sanitation or shelter. Many more people
will die in Kenya if immediate action is not taken.
Today, we bring your attention to the 1500 people huddled around the
Police Station in Koru in Nyanza. They are Kikuyu, Kisii and Luo
families whose homes have been burnt and their means of livelihood
destroyed. They are being supported and provided with water by the
Koru Catholic Mission. In particular, Father Felix Otieno Atinda has
used his moral authority to help provide protection and is working
tirelessly to get whatever assistance possible but he has no access to
food. He is now in desperate need of food relief and some medical
assistance. The lack of sanitation is raising fears of disease
outbreaks.
Here is how you can help:
Donate to the Kenya Red Cross to assist their efforts across Kenya:
http://www.kenyaredcross.org. You can also write to them and let them
know about your concerns for the people of Koru.
If you have contacts in the Kisumu, Nakuru or Nairobi area that can
donate food and any other supplies contact National IDP Coordinator
Keffa Magenyi Karuoya at 0720 939432 or mkaruoya@yahoo.com.
Support Father Felix directly by wiring a donation to:
Koru Catholic Mission
Kenya Commercial Bank, Kisumu Branch
Account number: KCB 231580039
Swift Code: KCBLKENX077
We will send you up-dates but for more information contact:
Father Felix Otieno
Koru Catholic Mission
Tel 0721840827
IDP Network Coordinator
Keffa Magenyi Karuoya
0720 939432
Be well and do not give up hope.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 18:38
Asante sana. I have relied on your blog to update my facebook friends and you have been a credible source for my blog updates. You have done more than enough. Your courage and audacity is to be mimicked.
I am proud of you.
Now run along and get your children and family to safety.
Godspeed and God Bless.
Dorothy
on January 2nd, 2008 at 18:39
Ory,
Words cannot express our gratitude… For the last few days, you have been more than just an information provider to many of us. You are one in many. These past few days, we have almost felt like we know you, you have brought us closer, closer to home. We wish you well and your family too, and should you be in Italy, you know that you are welcome…
We all continue hoping for a miracle in Kenya…..
Keep well, keep safe
on January 2nd, 2008 at 18:46
Ory,
Thank you for the courage to speak up when it may have been easier to stay silent. Your example has certainly reinforced that,
Living life with courage isnt always the easiest thing to do, but it sure feels good when you do it right!
I plan to live 2008 a little bit more courageously.
Hope to read more from you - God Bless!
on January 2nd, 2008 at 18:53
Will there be any updates on the rest of parliamentary seats on mzalendo? I love you ory!
Yes there will be though it could take a bit of time.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 19:01
Just learnt from my boss that his pal in the US Marine (and his squad) is being moved from Afghanistan to Kenya..they left yesturday
on January 2nd, 2008 at 19:01
I’m glad you were there to give unbiased info when other blogs i visited had only inflamatory msgs.Have a nice flight. My wife is SouthAfrican so SA is also home for me.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 19:12
Godspeed Ori
Your contribution to us was priceless.
Have a safe journey
on January 2nd, 2008 at 19:26
Hamba Kahle! And thank YOU. Thank YOU, to you and all the other bloggers for all the work you have done, in the past and now. We appreciate your dedication and efforts, more so us in the diaspora who have been starved of real time news. I hope members of your family in all the different parts of this our will remain unscathed from this madness that has befallen us.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 19:26
You have a child and your childs safety must be your first concern. Stay safe. Beannacht De ort
on January 2nd, 2008 at 19:32
Ory, Even though I am in the United States and not affected at all by any of this. I am a concerned world citizen that only wants the best for Kenya and all the people of Africa. I have followed your stories upon hearing about your site, through an African wildlife conseration site. As a Mother myself, I believe you are doing the right thing by putting your family first and seeking safer ground. I honestly can’t imagine being faced with any of this and my heart goes out to you, your family and friends and to all the people of Africa. I wish you well and a safe a journey. I hope your Mother stays safe as well, and am very sad to hear of her situation. She is lucky to have you, that is for sure. Take care and hope to hear more from you very soon. Lisa
on January 2nd, 2008 at 19:37
Hi Kid sis,
How far we’ve come, huh?
Your blog has been invaluable. I know how hard it is for you to leave but you have to put baby first. Thank you, and everyone else who is blogging on the ground for staying engaged. I’m getting crying jags whenever I sit still enough to think about Kenya and how this is tearing each Kenyan apart, in the most human place in our hearts and minds.
Safe journey and God’s blessings.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 19:43
You have shed light on this exceedingly dark chapter of Kenya’s history. We appreciate the great service you volunteered to keep especially those outside Kenya informed at your family’s expense. All the best as you leave, and keep safe. You are a true patriot and you ought to be proud of your now world renown contribution (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/01/02/wkenya502.xml) to Kenya especially while the media blackout lasts. Godspeed!
on January 2nd, 2008 at 19:54
You are a true daughter of the soil. Through you some light has been able to penetrate the confusion and heat most media have blinded us with. The passionate yet balanced way you have blogged the sad events of the last few days is a reminder of the promise of our country and people beyond the jingoistic posturing of our leaders. Hongera.
Thank you, and yes your child and family are of primary importance.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 20:07
Good decision. Stay safe. Your updates were world class.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 20:14
Hi Ory:
We previoulsy comunicated when I was in law school at University of Maryland, and I have followed your blog even after you left the U.S. After the news of all the events in Keyna, you were on my mind all day…more precisely, I wondered about the safety of you and your daughter. May the force protect you and your family.
Thanks for your blog; in the U.S.A the primaries and events in Pakistan have overshadowed events in Kenya.
As we say in the Caribbean, “Walk Good.”
on January 2nd, 2008 at 20:31
godspeed
you can get some updates also from here
http://www.thinkersroom.com/blog/
kibaki must be made to resign
on January 2nd, 2008 at 20:33
Happy New Year to you, btw!
I wish we can soon wish this to everyone out there. Thank You for providing us with the updates during these hectic days.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 20:36
Go well, Ory, you trusted your instincts, and you know what’s best for you. Thanks for the job well done. I will miss your updates.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 20:45
I live in Kansas - with my family in Eld ( they are safe) having little or no access to news, your Blog was one of the constant sources of Info. Saying thanks for your time, dedication and voice at this time is not enough - But its the least I/We can say. All the best!
on January 2nd, 2008 at 20:59
Thank you very much Ory. Your blog has given me a real update of the unfolding story from kenya. I admire your commitment. KEEP PRAYING FOR PEACE.
At this historical defining moment I believe that as kenyans we shoulc know that it is not a matter of choosingbetween KIBAKI OR RAILA…but rather we should focus on UZALENDO NA TRUE NATION BUILDING (KENYA). we should all seek avenues of building bridges to peace, reconciliation and Justice.
Wish you well in all that you blessed new year.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 21:05
All the best Ory! Thanks for your patience with all of us out here in the diaspora and mingi thanks for your energies and efforts! You went above and beyond.
Wishing you and your family God’s Blessings during these trying times! Safe travels and we pray for safety and peace for you guys in SA too.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 21:08
I will miss you. You have been a great source of information for me as I tried to direct my 2 children in Kenya to a safe place. Thanks so much. Enjoy your family! You have earned the break and they need you.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 21:15
Ory safe travails to your family and you. At this point I feel that both candidates are totally undeserving of the seat. We must recognize that the country beolngs to us…we the citizens are the majority …great job covering this sad time in our nation’s history. I was following your blog and will continue to check in.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 21:27
[...] by kenyanobserver on January 2, 2008 Ory Okolloh, AKA, kenyanpundit, has kept us riveted on our computer screens for a long time now with her incisive reporting and [...]
on January 2nd, 2008 at 21:27
Godspeed, Ory, and many thanks for your diligent coverage.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 21:28
[...] Kenyan Pundit on the other hand is leaving Nairobi for Johannesburg. After lots of back and forth and mental anguish for me I have decided to head back to Johannesburg where I’m currently based. It’s been a tough day. I’m from a multi-ethnic background and I feel like I’m being hit on all sides - family stranded in Kericho, no word from family in Kisumu and Western, in-laws under siege in Nakuru, relatives businesses being looted at the Coast, my mother emptying out her two stalls at Kenyatta market and carrying out things in plastic bags and duffel bags because mobs have threatened to burn down the market tomorrow - that’s her livelihood - it’s bad enough that she’s had no business for most of December. We are all feeling so helpless and are reduced to platitudes like “let’s hope for the best” and all “we can do is pray” and “it will end soon” and “these guys need to do something” but all we are doing is masking our fear that we are on a precipice. Category: Africa | Comment (RSS) | Trackback [...]
on January 2nd, 2008 at 21:33
Two things Ory:
a) Have a safe trip.
b) Do read the story “RAILA TAKES THE LEAD IN SEARCH FOR A WAY FORWARD” in the E.A. Standard. I believe his main proposals will work:
- He has offered to drop his Kibaki must resign before we talk demand.
-He is willing to take part in an interim govt. of no longer than 3 months as a new presidential election is organised.
I too still maintain that a new presidential election is the way forward. According to the press, the 16A forms have disappeared mysteriously from the KICC safe that was housing them.
Will Kibaki listen?
on January 2nd, 2008 at 21:43
Ory
For more than a week you have been eyes and ears of the ground for my family and I out here in the Great White North and I have to the thank you for keeping us up to date on developments back home.
All the best and God bless. Thank you so very much for everything.
- Steve
on January 2nd, 2008 at 21:52
Ory,
You have kept most of us so well informed in a way that no other source of news median has. Through your blogg Kenyans have proved that we are civil and mature enough to respect each other. Good job in setting such high standards. It’s time to take care of your family. A job well done.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 22:00
As a mother I understand your choice. I, too, had to leave with my ten-year old two days ago. Now that I’ve found your blog, I’ll sto by more often. Godspeed. Bella
on January 2nd, 2008 at 22:35
Thank you for the updates. I understand your anguish because am multi-ethnic as well. Stay safe and Gods speed on your trip back.
on January 3rd, 2008 at 0:18
Ory,
You were a Godsend for me. You have no idea how much of a help you have been to me. I spent hours on your blog so hungry for info. i remember that sunday when we were waiting for results i could not sleep and i kept refreshing the page hoping that something new had come in. I’ll admit that i have been relying on you more than any other news outlet. You’ve been better that BBC, CNN, etc for me.
I’m sure that we will continue to hear from you and in my heart i’m glad to know that you and your family will be in a safer place. You are a true Kenyan, I can assure you that i have taken something with me from being a part of this blog.
As you travel, may God grant you journey mercies and i hope to hear and read from you that you are safe when you arrive in Jo’Burg. Best regards and new year wishes to your family.
NB: your entire family is in our family prayer list.
on January 3rd, 2008 at 0:23
Godspeed Ory - do what you gotta do; take care of your family and your life since that never stops in love or war.
Shukran na asante sana kwa kutupasha habari zinazoeleweka. Kenya itadumu na waKenya tutavumilia hadi demokrasia iwe injili yetu
on January 3rd, 2008 at 0:45
Thanks for your dedication to this blog. Was very helpful to me, since I’m so far from home. Will be praying for you and your fam as you travel to Jo’berg.
on January 3rd, 2008 at 1:40
Many thanks for all the hard work and may God bless you .
You are the best .
on January 3rd, 2008 at 4:24
I feel absolutely sad and distraught. I feel so sorry and angry about what is happening in Kenya. More importantly, I feel sorry about my race, my people and my continent. It appears we are incapable of doing the simple things right
God bless you for keeping us posted. I wish you and your family well.
on January 3rd, 2008 at 5:17
Official Statement/Press Release
I, Apostle Harry Das along with my wife, as Preachers and Teachers of the Word of God operating in Kenya for over 30 years, and as the founder(s) of Chrisco Fellowship of Churches, would like to make the following official statement: I am asking for all people who love God and are truly “Saved” to refrain from acting with bitterness, hatred, tribal prejudice or involvement with murderous behaviour, but to act in forgiveness, love and mercy. Cry for peace and through prayer, bind the ravenous spirits of bloodshed that have come upon the Nation, because as Christians we are taught by the Bible according to Ephesians 6:10-18, that during times of upheavals and killings there are always Evil Spirits working behind the scenes to cause death, destruction and chaos. God assures us that He is a God of Mercy, and during times of wrath and judgment, he can temper the severity of the situation because of His mercy (Habakkuk 3:2). This is the position all Christians should take now, not to depend on natural weapons to defend us during this perilous time, but to rely on Spiritual help as stated in 2Chorinthians 10:4-5. God says to use the power of Prayer! Prayer is what will pull down all strongholds and bring peace to the hearts of those who are committing violent acts. Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, Blessed are the Peace Makers, for they shall be called the children of God. Follow the ways of peace, and pray that the honest process of democracy will prevail. On behalf of all Chrisco Churches, Pastors and Members, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those Kenyans who have been killed, maimed or displaced during the past few days. May God have mercy on us, May God have mercy on Kenya.
Apostle Harry Das
http://www.DasMinistries.com
on January 3rd, 2008 at 8:28
Bon Voyage Ory. No need to feel torn between leaving Nairobi and returning to Johannesburg. You are a young mother first and foremost and everything else comes after that important responsibility. You have done your duty for the country you love so dearly and you have done it very well.
According to the latest news reports here in Europe the ethnic violence is subsiding and the political leadership on both sides of this dispute are attempting to pull back from the brink of disaster. Sounds like an opening in the storm to me… I can smell fresh rain coming on the rays of bright sunshine.
on January 3rd, 2008 at 11:07
[...] elections from Kenya on her blog, Kenyan Pundit, and on Mzalendo, Kenyan blogger, Ory, is going back to South Africa: After lots of back and forth and mental anguish for me I have decided to head back to [...]
on January 3rd, 2008 at 14:08
Ory -
Please don’t feel guilty! You’ve already done enough. Safety is priority!
PEACE!
on January 3rd, 2008 at 15:06
hi,
many thanks for your daily, min, second update we really appriciated your work as i had many kenyans flocking to my office for updates as am also based in joburg.
You were really my source of info about home such that i had to log in always to see if it could be safe to book someone a flight back home.
Once again thank you for all your tireless effort, God bless
thanks
Ahmed Mohamed
JOBURG.
on January 3rd, 2008 at 20:01
You made the right call, Ory - your family is the priority. You’ve done amazing work bringing the events of the past few days to a global audience, and there are many, many people grateful for all you’ve done. Thank you.
on January 4th, 2008 at 16:33
Thank you for what you are writing! I am a mother in the U.S., but my adopted son is Kenyan/American (Kikuyu) and we are praying along with his birthfamily here for the safety of his birthfamily who remain in Nairobi.
Hopefully a peaceful solution will happen soon. This moment is not the Kenya we have been so proud of, and that I want for my son to come to when he is a man. I want more for him & for all of Kenya.
Thank you again for keeping those of us informed! You are doing God’s work here.
on January 5th, 2008 at 7:47
thank you …
on January 6th, 2008 at 14:23
As an East African, Kenya always made me proud. I will always be proud of Kenya. Even though it is not exactly stable right now, it will always the beautiful country it is.
I hope everything goes well. It’s a terrible stage but it is just a stage.
on January 10th, 2008 at 7:14
[...] y legislativas de Kenia en su blog, Kenyan Pundit, y también en Mzalendo, la bloguera keniata Ory, vuelve a Sudáfrica, con emocionadas palabras de [...]
on June 28th, 2008 at 1:50
[...] share their workload. Okolloh, who resides in Johannesburg, returned home on January 3rd, after a difficult debate over whether she should stay to document the crisis or prioritize the safety of her young child. [...]
on July 2nd, 2008 at 10:32
[...] share their workload. Okolloh, who resides in Johannesburg, returned home on January 3rd, after a difficult debate over whether she should stay to document the crisis or prioritize the safety of her young child. [...]