Monday, January 28, 2008

Kenya's Darkest Days

As I write this, the violence continues in Kenya after December's disputed presidential elections. It has not reached levels like that seen (and fled from) by the West in Rwanda, but it's taking on the tone of ethnic cleansing as tribal gangs kill one another in towns across the Rift Valley. The leaders of the two main groups, the government and the opposition, will hopefully begin official talks this week under the mediation of Former UN GS Kofi Annan. (For further information, see this article and check the bbc.com for the latest.)

At this point, I don't know what else to do besides donate money to the Red Cross Kenya, and certainly PRAY. Pray for the political leaders, that a peaceful solution can be reached. Pray for the street leaders, that they will be temperate in the actions and not reprise violence with more blood. Pray for the poorly trained and equipped military personnel, that they have the courage to keep order and the wisdom not to exacerbate the situation. And pray for the people of Kenya, that they will all work for peace, stability and democracy, and not give up on the dreams of their fathers and mothers. A dream of peace, a dream of a nation of their own, a dream of hope for their children.

(So far none of the violence has harmed my friends over there, but there are many I have not heard from... please keep them in your prayers, too: Amos, Michael, Mosogu, Deborah, David, and others in Nairobi - Cathy, Wycliffe, Njeri, Joyce, Andrew, Esther, Beatrice, Nancy, Mary, Sarah - and the YAVs in Kenya this year... and all the families caught up and split up in the turmoil.)