It is not enough to kneel and pray. We tell parishioners that whatever they do, they must do something that will affect peace somehow.
- Father Francis, a Kenyan priest near Uhuru (Freedom) Park where an opposition rally was dispersed by police using tear gas and water cannons following disputed elections and the deaths of some 300 people in related violence. (Source: The Christian Science Monitor). From Sojourners.
... it was a very fired meeting as both side(s) tried to prove that they are right in what is happening. At the end of the day we all agreed that the leadership should help with the problem nationally, but as locals staying here in Nakuru, as neighbours, they agreed to refrain from violence. And they will hold the same meetings every (three) days just to help one another with the tension and console those who have lost (their) family in other parts of the country. This was possible with the help of the chief of the area. As we continue to push for peace we are asking you to pray for this country.
- Dennis Kimambo, an organizer with Repacted, a community based youth-to-youth organization in Nakuru, Kenya. A wonderful example of people at the grassroots level finding ways to try and restore peace and come together to heal. From a blog post Kenyans Pulling Together. (Some punctuation edited.)
Kenya has been on my heart as many friends and aquaintances seem to be connected to the country in some way. As I mentioned before, our friend Alison is there with an organization called Comfort The Children International. Reg and Tara, a couple from the church I grew up in, are currently there as well as caregivers in palliative care. One of our housemates, Jillian, I believe was there last summer volunteering as a doctor, delivering babies. And a friend, Connie is waiting for things to settle down and be safer, as she was planning on beginning a three year program called Franciscan Mission Service serving in Nairobi on January 1st.
I have been relying on Mike, who has his own connections with Kenya, in keeping me informed on the situation there. Here is a blog, an article, editorials, and pictures he's recommended the past little while:
Mental Acrobatics (a Kenyan's personal blog).
Kenya Kikuyus, Long Dominant, Are Now Routed (New York Times)
We Can't Live In Denial Anymore (The Standard)
Save Our Beloved Country (The Standard)
Disputed Vote Plunges Kenya Into Bloodshed (New York Times)
Kenya Erupts In Violence (New York Times photos)
For current coverage see BBC's page on Africa.
