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Took a break away from the internet today, before my guys started to forget what I looked like 
Yesterday afternoon, I attended a meeting of a small group of concerned Kenyan citizens at the Kenyan High Commission. The recently appointed ambassador to SA chaired the meeting. We arrived a bit late so I missed part of what was discussed at the meeting. The group was trying to find ways to respond to the crisis in Kenya. I think the meeting was also cathartic for the attendees who feel helpless about the situation, especially being in the diaspora. The issue of who won or who lost the election didn’t come up – the focus was on what Kenyans in the diaspora can do with regards to the immediate crisis of the violence and the displacement. One key resolution was for those of us who have access to the media to demonstrate that the situation is a lot more nuanced than Kikuyu vs. Luo and than “tribal war” – this tag by the international media is leading to piecemeal solutions being offered that won’t really address the underlying issues. We also committed to engaging in dialogue with our neighbours, friends, co-workers etc. – this might seem like a very fluffy suggestion, but let me reiterate that emotions are still very charged and most conversations don’t drill down to what are the real issues – the more we can move away from the rhetoric that was used to get voters charged during the campaigns the more we can begin to prepare the path for reconciliation as a country once this mess is over. A participant who had a lot of experience with conflict resolution in Africa said that governments of national unity never work – it might address the issues of Raila and Kibaki, but not much else. But then again it might be the only way to stop the violence – unfortunately, the hard work that needs to be done after the violence is over will almost certainly not be done (think Molo’92, Likoni ’97). It’s just depressing to realize that we are being held hostage by a number of individuals.
And it’s unfortunate that we are now placed in the position of trying to demonstrate how tolerant we are – conversations are peppered with “I have lots of Luo /kikuyu friends,” “my family has lots of intermarriage” “my husband/wife is from xyz” “my best friend is from XYZ” – we are all now super aware of our ethnicity – how long will it take for that to fade away again. Do you all find yourselves in this situation? [other strange things – we have now been reduced to admiring Moi’s rigging tactics].
There was a suggestion of a bigger meeting with more Kenyans involved, but a number of us raised the concern of that degenerating into which side is right. There is a demo being planned at the High Commission on Tuesday but I’m not sure who’s organizing it. In the meantime we are keeping the conversation going – any Kenyan’s based in South Africa who’d like to join please drop me a line.
AOB:
– Afromusing has left Eldoret. Her updates from the area were invaluable. She has good information on how to help that specific area.
– Bankelele is also skeptical about a government of national unity, what do you think of his interesting alternative?
– Aftermath of the poll violence as seen from space. Still waiting for firm takers on the Google Mashup idea.
Finally, thank you all again for expressing your gratitude and support. It is now my turn to ask something of you. I would like to move away from the “end violence” “peace in Kenya” “Kenya belongs to Kenyans” platitudes – I want you to tell me how you feel about this situation on a personal level…what does Kenya mean to you…personalize it, bring out the nuances, tell us about your family members, how does it feel to be witnessing this from the diaspora, how do you feel about the media coverage, etc.etc. You can submit these “diaries” anonymously or not via the comment section or email them to me at kenyanpundit-at-gmail-dot-com (stay away from hateful or inciteful statements). I think it is so important to tell OUR story in OUR voice – not that of the media, of the politicians, of the party, of the tribe…speak YOUR truth. I will publish what you send on the blog.
Look forward to reading from you.
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We arrived safely in Joburg earlier this evening. The trip to the airport was one of the scariest moments in my life. Though we had planned to leave for the airport early in the morning even though the flight left late in the afternoon, winding up took much longer then we expected and we found ourselves left with only one route to the airport – Lenana Road to Upper Hill – then Uhuru Highway past Nyayo. Arwings Kodhek, Mbagathi, area around Kenyatta Hospital were already no go areas by 10:00 am with groups engaged in running battles with the police and walking around back roads harassing people. The drive was tense, each landmark felt like a small victory (actually the whole thing felt like an evacuation) – past DOD phew, past Nairobi Hospital phew, into Upper Hill phew, down Uhuru Highway phew, then we got to the roundabout that takes you into West when we saw a big mob approaching from Industrial Area and just about to walk right into a confrontation with GSU and police who are all over Nyayo Stadium. There was no conversation in the car until we reached the airport. If we had left the house even two minutes later we would have driven right into that mess. Five minutes after we passed by, there were gunshots in the area and Mombasa Road was a no-go area. Crazy.
About to collapse from exhaustion so here’s a quick update.
– Tutu met with Raila and other ODM leaders, but Kibaki refused to meet with him (I hear because Tutu didn’t follow protocol and met with Raila first….what???). Anyway, there’s no good reason for Kibaki ignoring Tutu and all this indicates that the government is ready to dig in.
– You’ve all heard about Wako’s press release by now. I’m still wondering who he was speaking for – himself? the government?
– Most of the police I saw today looked fatigued. A friend of mine who’s house was burned down in Olympic Estate says that the cops are just overwhelmed in Kibera and even the shoot to kill order, which has been heavily implemented, has failed to contain the violence in that area.
– Google Earth supposedly shows in great detail where the damage is being done on the ground. It occurs to me that it will be useful to keep a record of this, if one is thinking long-term. For the reconciliation process to occur at the local level the truth of what happened will first have to come out. Guys looking to do something – any techies out there willing to do a mashup of where the violence and destruction is occurring using Google Maps?
-Speaking of documenting truth, it also occurs to me that we have no reliable figures of the real death tolls on the ground. Perhaps we can begin to collect information from organizations and individuals on the ground e.g. red cross, hospitals, etc. and start to build a tally online, preferably with names. Most of the people losing their lives will remain nameless, and it might be worthwhile to at least change that. Any volunteers/ideas?
– One more thing…I think Safaricom and Celtel should start selling airtime directly to individuals online to help the guys in the diaspora get airtime to their families and friends. Perhaps bombard them with emails requesting this?
– Nyanza Province was under a curfew today.
– ODM plans to hold another rally on Saturday. I fail to see the point of these rallies…they’d be better off trying to assist people who have been affected by the violence. It is possible to fight a good fight.
– Bankelele has a good post that highlights why the conflict is about more than just Kikuyu vs. Luo (can the international media please catch up).
– For those who are asking about other blogs that are covering the situation in Kenya. Hash has a comprehensive list.
– For those who are looking for the Redcross link, here it is. I’m really just stunned by the fact that the government is not even attempting to avert the humanitarian crisis – there’s no talk of shelters, no talk of relief supplies, zero. They can sit and blame ODM all they want (though it seems to me both sides are willing to sacrifice innocent lives), but at minimum they have the resources to alleviate the suffering of those who have been displaced and they’ve done nothing. Have heard reports that Kikuyus in Eldoret are being offered GSU escort out of the area to Central Province – nothing about what happens when they get there and nothing about those people who’ve grown up in Eldoret and know no one in Central. I think there’s an opportunity for those who want to help to find a way to channel resources to charitable organizations and religious organizations that have been struggling to cope on the ground. Will think about this on the plane and I’m open to suggestions (leave a comment or send an email: kenyanpundit-at-gmail-dot-com).
– For those who are asking whether Mzalendo will be updated with information about the new MPs, yes it will though it might take some time since M and I are juggling lots of other responsibilities.
– For those who are asking about the presence of Ugandan troops in Kisumu and Rift Valley, several sources have indicated to me that Ugandan troops are working with Kenyan government forces but this has yet to be officially verified. Joseph Karoki has more on the story.
– Kenyan jurist on why the courts are not an option.
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.
Not much to report as yet.
– The president has called a meeting of all MPs at State House at 3:00 pm
– For those who are asking about a military intervention or the Karamajong militia in Eldoret – I have been unable to confirm those stories.
– I do have it from reliable sources within the diplomatic community that Kivuitu’s life was threatened leaving him with no choice. There are also claims that Kibaki is under siege by his cronies and has no control over the situation.
– Been watching footage of the situation in Eldoret and keep wondering where the police, military are? You can’t get access to city mortuary because there are like 60 guys guarding it, but vigilantes have set up 30 roadblocks on the Eldoret road – what the hell is going on?
– How to help? Red Cross Kenya is asking for donations of food, blankets, and blood.
– Kivuitu admits to acting under pressure. The story was apparently up on the Standard website, but is no longer available there (haven’t verified this) [edit – article available on the standard here, and on Youtube here]. Just in case, save the text somewhere. How was he compromised? Why couldn’t he have resigned? Why didn’t he just let them collect the certificate by force? When he was cracking jokes at the swearing in ceremony he certainly did not look like he was surprised or acting under duress. This sounds like some serious backsliding of a man with a guilty conscience to me – he did not, for whatever reason, anticipate the magnitude of his actions or he was paid to throw this thing…who the hell knows, but this change of heart will not absolve him from the fact that he (along with other so-called leaders) abdicated his duties and has the blood of thousands of innocent Kenyans on his hands. Ati, his fear was that he didn’t what people to “call him a coward”? Mr. Kivuitu, being called a coward at this point in time would actually be very very charitable. What a selfish selfish selfish and costly act.
– Some of the most vivid and disturbing images I’ve seen of the situation on the ground are available at Joseph Karoki’s blog.
– Why a full recount won’t be possible (from a journalist source): “I asked at the EU EOM press briefing this morning if a complete recount were at all possible, and they said no – a lot of the ballot boxes have been tampered with. The only thing that would be possible is a retally – i.e. take the documented constituency tally and count up again for the national figure. However, obviously this is not going to deal with issues like significant differences between presidential and parliamentary votes in individual constituencies, EU observers being turned away from different polling stations, and extremely high voter turnout. So even if the government agreed to a a retally (unlikely, obviously), this could resolve some issues, but by far not all – so in the end, any solution would have to be political.”
– No power in Kisumu, so people can’t charge cellphones and let guys know how they are doing.
– Comment of the day: Yes. It is extremely important for both Kibaki and Raila to place the citizens and the country before their own power-hungry egos. This is insane. The whole country is being destroyed. For what? Who cares who is president. As a foreigner who has no tribal association here I have absolutely no respect for either of these politicians. They are both the same, not worth a single lost life. Both men are bad for Kenya. You need a real leader with real ideas. These fools are not worth the violence.”
Just got back home still trying to parse through the news/info coming through.
For now it is critical to get the word out about the situation in Eldoret and Burnt Forest. This is in the aftermath of the church burning. Reports of armed men going into the forest coming through from various sources. The conflict is more than just Kikuyu-Luo – has – widened into something that I don’t even know how to describe.
From a KP reader:
“Approximately 40-50K people are holded up at the compounds of ST. PATRICKS CATHOLIC CHURCH and ARNESENS HIGH SCHOOLl, both in Burnt Forest. There is no running water, food and ELECTRICITY has been cut. THIS MEANS THAT PEOPLE CANNOT RECHARGE THIER CELL PHONES and soon we’ll not be able to contact them. Also, due to the chaos/anarchy in these compounds, means that people, especially women are not any safer than if they were out in the chaos. There has been reports of rapes and molestations. I’ve also heard that the Eldoret highway has been closed by thugs an d that there is no transportion, hence people cannot leave this area. My family in that area feels very helpless and we can only ask that we spread the world and try and get some security in the area.”
I’m wondering whether the military and the police are? Are they standing by watching while these incidents are going on? Hearing reports that the ignored calls for help when the church was being burnt? Does anyone have an idea what the government is doing in response as far as providing security to individuals in this area? And this is being alarmist but I’m beginning to wonder whether the government wants to fan the flames (remember Likoni clashes?).
Other (unverified) news from KP readers:
– Military set to take over tomorrow.
– Forced circumcisions in Buru Buru area. About 20 so far. 5 people have bled to death as a result.
– Govt is preparing for calls for a re-tally by jigging with the 16A forms once more. Officers of the disputed 48 constituences have been summoned to KICC tonight to re-sign the forms 16A.
Other news sources:
– I really really have to commend Al Jazeera for their coverage of this situation. I hope someone picks this up as a story about alternative media and coverage of Africa, and a story about Al Jazeera is redefining GLOBAL coverage. They are millions of steps ahead of CNN and BBC with less resources. From a good source, I hear that they are posting stories directly to Youtube so please check there for new stories as well.
– Alertnet for breaking news.
– Mental Acrobatics should have a post up pretty soon about various initiatives to try and stop the situation from spiraling out of control.
– My partner in Mzalendo, M, also has updates and pictures of the latest situation on the ground.
Not much to report at this point. Here’s the latest I have:
– Was worried about running out of food this morning, but a good friend who lives in Kiambu, where it’s business as usual, came over with “relief supplies” including meat because you know Kenyans can’t do that vegetarian story if they can help it:-) Very surreal. Anyway, I’m in Kenya until I run out of diapers and formula, which will probably be this weekend.
– Bulk sms has been blocked by the government to prevent guys from sending inciteful messages. Meanwhile the “President” is wishing Kenyans a happy new year and has said absolutely not one thing about the hundreds of lives that are being lost – isn’t this lack of action just as inciteful?
– Alfred Mutua, the government spokesman, continues to be in la-la land talking about incidents of violence “here and there.” Actually, he is beginning to remind me of Baghdad Bob when the Iraq war started.
– Apparently the media blackout is not based on any law, the media council could theoretically challenge it. Something fishy is going on, because the local media is not even taking advantage of the delay thingy they have to broadcast updates through out the day. Is this self-censorship or does Michuki have a gun to their head? I’m getting more news from BBC than from anywhere else right now.
– Nairobi Women’s Hospital sexual assault unit is reporting a sharp increase of cases of rape and sodomy – keep in mind that these if from the few women who are able to make it there.
– Displaced families walking around city center.
– International community pressing for a recount to be done in presence of the media and to be broadcast live as a way out of impasse. Former president of Sierra Leone being brought in to talk to Kibaki.
– Minister for Internal Security John Michuki is running the country for all intents and purposes.
Please keep the information coming (kenyanpundit-at-gmail.com), I may not post everything you send but it is all very helpful as far as keeping me abreast of what’s happening out there from my “bunker.”
Out for a few hours, no posts till later this evening.
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