This is a letter that has come from FWCC re the Kenyan situation:
Dear Friends,
You may be aware of the deteriorating situation in Kenya following last month’s elections. At the FWCC World Office, we have been receiving emails from Friends in Kenya. This email is a summary of what we know so far.
First, some background from David Zarembka, Coordinator of the African Great Lakes Initiative/ Friends Peace Teams who lives in Western Province, Kenya. He writes:
“Since independence the Kikuyu [the tribe to which President Mwai Kibaki belongs; Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, is a Luo] have directly or indirectly controlled the Government and Kenyan business. Through this time, they continued and promoted the centralized system of Government given to them by the British. The 2007 election campaign revolved around “devolvement” meaning decentralizing. Naturally Kibaki and the Kikuyu opposed this since this meant giving up their power to the periphery.
“So it is payback time. It is amazing how only Kikuyu shops and homes were burned and everyone else left intact. Those at the bottom are taking it out on those whom they feel are on top. They have no contact with the Kikuyu tycoons and politicians and so they are taking the pent-up rage of forty-four years of independence out on the average Kikuyu in their community. The Kikuyu are then retaliating by killing the other ethnic groups that happen to live in their communities.
“With the large population increase in the past, there are many youth. Many of these have been educated to the secondary level or even above and then they are left with nothing to do, alienated from Kenyan society. They see no future so they can easily be turned to violence. This is the tinder and the spark was the announcement that Kibaki won what everyone in western Kenya considers was a rigged election.”
David’s most recent email, sent on the morning of 3 January, anticipated a violent clash at a rally being planned by the opposition in Nairobi.
“Today looks like the decisive day, and things don't look good. Kibaki has told the head of the African Union not to come to mediate because this is an internal Kenyan problem. In the doublespeak of the day, this means that Kibaki is not going to negotiate and will enforce his presidency with the police and military. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) plans a massive inauguration of Raila Odinga today in downtown Nairobi at Uhuru Park. One million people are expected to attend. The Government has banned the gathering. BBC reports that riot police have encircled the park standing a meter apart. In other words, this looks like its going to be a major confrontation. Kikuyu from hard-hit Eldoret have been evacuated under police escort to Nakuru and Nairobi.”
Bainito Wamalwa, head of a young Friends organisation and employed by a Swedish NGO, described the current situation in Eldoret: “The Friends church in Eldoret has 62 families who are displaced by some of them having their houses burnt. They have no shelter, food and other basics. There is no way to enter or exit Eldoret now. The food prices have gone more than treble high. Things are not right here.”
In the face of the catastrophe befalling Kenya, John Muhanji, the Director of the Friends United Meeting Africa Ministries Office, tried to focus on the future. He wrote:
“Happy New Year!! At least I can manage to say to you happy new year. It is true that those who are alive can say such words but in reality I would have said sad and bloody new year for Kenya 2008’. What a bad ending and beginning of the year. Friends when you see yourselves enjoying the peace you have now wherever you are praise God for everything. Because that can be taken from you in a twinkling of an eye as it happened here in Kenya. Peace is something that needs to be guarded with a lot of care from everybody in the world.
“I am experiencing a situation where people we have lived with for many years are being chased a way and their houses being burned not by their neighbours but by people from nowhere in a mob.”
John continued, “Tension is all over the country and especially in towns. In my village, Kivagala, I have occupied the young people in football games during this sad period. Many idle young people have not been involved in any activity of any nature but busy participating in the games that will reach its climax on Saturday January 5th. I am very much encouraged with the response… Yesterday after visiting Kisumu in the evening and seeing how tense the place was and the tension along the road, I arrived at home and found a different atmosphere where the playground in the school was filled with young people playing. The older generation was playing against the younger generation. It was such an interesting game… This may be an example to other parts of the country… I have also introduced an open air film show to the community to intensify peace in the community.”
But for now, the violence continues, and in some areas it is escalating. Transportation is also severely disrupted, as the Matatus that are the primary form of transportation country-wide most use are mainly operated by Kikuyus, and they are too afraid to work. David Zarembka writes:
“The death toll since the election is supposed to be 284, but I suspect it is much higher… There is a report that 10,000 armed Kalejin youth from the Eldoret area (there were 2000 people who burned down the church) are marching on Burnt Forest, an area with many Kikuyu where there have been clashes in the past. If this kind of thing is true, then we may be in for a real bloodbath on the scale of the Rwandan genocide. It is possible that the violence has gotten out of control so that the political leaders, the police, and army may not be able to control it even if there is a political settlement.”
From what we know as of this writing, US Friends living and working in Kenya Eden and James Grace and their children are safe in Kisumu and Jody Richmond is also in a safe place. We have heard nothing about the safety of Friends in Nakuru, Nairobi or other parts of Kenya. People are about to run out of time on their mobile/cell phone cards and internet access, so communication may be more of a problem shortly. The same is true of food for many people.
John Muhanji asks for financial support for prizes for his sports participants and we are sure there are other needs as well. Donations can be made via the FUM website www.fum.org or via the FWCC World Office www.fwccworld.org earmarked for this purpose.
In terms of the more general financial and other material support that Friends can offer, discussions are taking place both at AFSC and amongst Friends in Britain to determine the best and safest way to ensure that help reaches those who need it. We should be in a position to tell you more about this early next week.
Most of all, Friends in Kenya need our prayers along with prayers for peace and justice to prevail in their country. This is the season of the Prince of Peace and we must seek God's assistance and guidance amidst this turmoil.
With hope and faith,
Nancy Irving, General Secretary
Friends World Committee for Consultation
Harry Albright, Communications Director
Friends World Committee for Consultation
Friday 4 January 2008
Visitors
Yesterday we had a visit from Cara LoFaro and her boyfriend, Kevin, who is Irish. They were very easy visitors, and it was a pleasure to chat with them. It was very cold outside so we had a nice fire, and b cooked a meal that went down very well for us all. Cara and Kevin hope to visit Dublin and stay with my parents within the next few days. It really was nice to see them.
Ian rang, and that was very exciting. He seems to have got to work very quickly and had his first teaching class yesterday. We're longing to hear more, so will try to ring him today again. We're signed up to Skype calls so will see whether that works in getting a cheaper method to ring him.
It snowed in Limerick (and elsewhere) today. I had to head to Cork early in the morning, but luckily it was not wet at that stage so I had an uneventful journey even though it was -2 degrees most of the time.
Ian rang, and that was very exciting. He seems to have got to work very quickly and had his first teaching class yesterday. We're longing to hear more, so will try to ring him today again. We're signed up to Skype calls so will see whether that works in getting a cheaper method to ring him.
It snowed in Limerick (and elsewhere) today. I had to head to Cork early in the morning, but luckily it was not wet at that stage so I had an uneventful journey even though it was -2 degrees most of the time.
Wednesday 2 January 2008
Back to work
Well, the holiday is over and it is back to work for us all today. Lots of "Happy New Year" was said today, and comments about the Christmas break. Some had over-indulged and others just had a quiet time. Now it's back with a bang, with the FDA inspection starting in less than 2 weeks. What fun!
Carolan brought the dogs for 2 walks today. Maeve and she were intending to go for a walk with some other friends at 11.30am, but the other friends weren't ready. Carolan had already put leads on the dogs so felt obliged to bring them out. Later the other friends were ready so she brought them for another walk. They are being well looked after. As a result they haven't even moved from the sofa to come and say hello to me since I came into the house.
Dad has spent the day searching the archives of the Limerick Civic Museum via the www. He is searching via 'sand', 'Plassey', 'canal' and 'barge' so far, and will add in searches for names of barges as he progresses. He is currently cooking and says I have a choice of garlic soup or garlic soup for my dinner. There is always the option of eggs, so I wonder whether I should get cooking!
It's been dark here for a couple of hours now. I wonder whether Ian has managed to take photos of the darkness gathering in Ghana yet for Carolan??!!
Carolan brought the dogs for 2 walks today. Maeve and she were intending to go for a walk with some other friends at 11.30am, but the other friends weren't ready. Carolan had already put leads on the dogs so felt obliged to bring them out. Later the other friends were ready so she brought them for another walk. They are being well looked after. As a result they haven't even moved from the sofa to come and say hello to me since I came into the house.
Dad has spent the day searching the archives of the Limerick Civic Museum via the www. He is searching via 'sand', 'Plassey', 'canal' and 'barge' so far, and will add in searches for names of barges as he progresses. He is currently cooking and says I have a choice of garlic soup or garlic soup for my dinner. There is always the option of eggs, so I wonder whether I should get cooking!
It's been dark here for a couple of hours now. I wonder whether Ian has managed to take photos of the darkness gathering in Ghana yet for Carolan??!!
Tuesday 1 January 2008
He is on his way
Ian should nearly be in Ghana by now, while we are about to eat a dinner of rice and chicken. We have checked it out and discovered that the time in Ghana is exactly the same as the time here.
Carolan and I had intended to visit the Avoca shop on the Naas Road after we left him at the airport but were disappointed to discover that it wasn't due to open until 12 o'clock, so we decided to head on home. The day was very disappointing from a shopping point of view - even our trip to the Crescent Shopping Centre in the afternoon was unsuccessful, with all doors closed.
We managed to buy breakfast rolls in the petrol station in Roscrea that is near the McDonalds outlet. The normal stopping place in Mountrath didn't have anything to offer, and had even increased the price of petrol and diesel by 8c since we visited yesterday.
The only shop open today that was worth visiting was Atlantic Homecare. There we were wowed with the delights of dog kennels with under-floor heating, and special shaving kits for dogs. Just imagine! Anyway, we bought child latches for the kitchen cupboards to stop the dogs getting into them, and also some bits for the fire - a shovel for coal, and yoke to collect the ashes. We also bought a new clothes airer that has a lot more space, and is a lot lighter, than our current one.
Dad didn't get to sleep until 4 am last night due to New Year celebrations (by others, you will understand) and the disturbance of dogs, so he was tired when we arrived home, and spent some of this afternoon sleeping. Mind you, he found time last night to purloin a bottle of beer not consumed by Ian. I'm in trouble for using Ian's rooms to air clothes, and Carolan has been using his lap-top, so you see what happens when his back is turned.
I'm intending to watch Dara O'Briain on the sequel to "Three Men and a dog" this evening so will report on that tomorrow. Unfortunately work beckons tomorrow - what sorrow - but I've had a good break so it isn't so bad.
Bye for now.
Carolan and I had intended to visit the Avoca shop on the Naas Road after we left him at the airport but were disappointed to discover that it wasn't due to open until 12 o'clock, so we decided to head on home. The day was very disappointing from a shopping point of view - even our trip to the Crescent Shopping Centre in the afternoon was unsuccessful, with all doors closed.
We managed to buy breakfast rolls in the petrol station in Roscrea that is near the McDonalds outlet. The normal stopping place in Mountrath didn't have anything to offer, and had even increased the price of petrol and diesel by 8c since we visited yesterday.
The only shop open today that was worth visiting was Atlantic Homecare. There we were wowed with the delights of dog kennels with under-floor heating, and special shaving kits for dogs. Just imagine! Anyway, we bought child latches for the kitchen cupboards to stop the dogs getting into them, and also some bits for the fire - a shovel for coal, and yoke to collect the ashes. We also bought a new clothes airer that has a lot more space, and is a lot lighter, than our current one.
Dad didn't get to sleep until 4 am last night due to New Year celebrations (by others, you will understand) and the disturbance of dogs, so he was tired when we arrived home, and spent some of this afternoon sleeping. Mind you, he found time last night to purloin a bottle of beer not consumed by Ian. I'm in trouble for using Ian's rooms to air clothes, and Carolan has been using his lap-top, so you see what happens when his back is turned.
I'm intending to watch Dara O'Briain on the sequel to "Three Men and a dog" this evening so will report on that tomorrow. Unfortunately work beckons tomorrow - what sorrow - but I've had a good break so it isn't so bad.
Bye for now.
Monday 31 December 2007
I've added a site meter
I'm managed to work out how to add a site meter to my account. It will be interesting to see whether anyone other than myself clicks on it.
Showers are being taken, luggage is being packed and re-packed, and I'm keeping quietly to myself while all this goes on. The day is calm so far, with the hundreds of birds that earlier gathered on the old beech tree behind the church now gone. They were very noisy, not helped by the fact that Goldie seems to feel it is his duty to bark at them. They don't notice, so it is a bit frustrating for him, and for us.
A nice cup of freshly brewed coffee seems to be a thing I'd like right now. I suspect others would too, so I'll head off to brew it.
Showers are being taken, luggage is being packed and re-packed, and I'm keeping quietly to myself while all this goes on. The day is calm so far, with the hundreds of birds that earlier gathered on the old beech tree behind the church now gone. They were very noisy, not helped by the fact that Goldie seems to feel it is his duty to bark at them. They don't notice, so it is a bit frustrating for him, and for us.
A nice cup of freshly brewed coffee seems to be a thing I'd like right now. I suspect others would too, so I'll head off to brew it.
Sunday 30 December 2007
Well, the day is arriving
We've been talking for so long about Ian's trip to Ghana that the day of departure has crept up on us unawares, sort of. Anyway, tomorrow we head to Dublin to stay with my parents, and then go to the airport for 8am on Tuesday 1st January. Carolan and I will wave our hankies to him (better remember to bring them!), and the dogs and Brian will stay at home and say goodbye from afar. It will be a big experience for us all, I reckon. It is very strange to be sitting in comfort, with lots of Christmas food around and a fire in the hearth, and to think of where Ian will be in a couple of days, possibly staying in a house with no electricity or running water.
Carolan is currently having a nice "Lush" bath, relaxing in the holiday spirit. She has spent this afternoon applying for graduate jobs, a process that requires a lot of work as each application has different requirements. Anyone who decides not to take her on is, of course, very misguided, but we can't account for all decisions made in this world.
The gardening season has started today, now that the rain has stopped. I dug up all remaining beetroot from the garden, and even found some potatoes I didn't know were there. I also cut back the raspberry canes and put them in a bonfire pile for burning when the weather is drier. It's amazing how weeds continue to grow during the winter when everything else stops growing....
The dogs don't like fireworks so have just had a few minutes of panic as fireworks were let off in the Castle Oaks Hotel grounds. Luckily they don't seem to have lasted for long. Tomorrow night will be unpleasant for them. There must be a high pitched sound associated with fireworks that we don't hear.
Carolan is currently having a nice "Lush" bath, relaxing in the holiday spirit. She has spent this afternoon applying for graduate jobs, a process that requires a lot of work as each application has different requirements. Anyone who decides not to take her on is, of course, very misguided, but we can't account for all decisions made in this world.
The gardening season has started today, now that the rain has stopped. I dug up all remaining beetroot from the garden, and even found some potatoes I didn't know were there. I also cut back the raspberry canes and put them in a bonfire pile for burning when the weather is drier. It's amazing how weeds continue to grow during the winter when everything else stops growing....
The dogs don't like fireworks so have just had a few minutes of panic as fireworks were let off in the Castle Oaks Hotel grounds. Luckily they don't seem to have lasted for long. Tomorrow night will be unpleasant for them. There must be a high pitched sound associated with fireworks that we don't hear.
Sunday 9 December 2007
16 more days to....
It is incredibly windy today, with a bitter cold feeling to it. I brought the dogs for a walk and they loved it, but I froze. Leavy doesn't like going outside to relieve herself, so why is she happy to go out in the freezing cold for a run? The river is high, and running very fast, so winter must officially be here.
I'm off to Londinium tomorrow, and on to Bristol on Friday. It's great to be able to check in on-line. I know what seat I'll be sitting on, and only need to be at the airport an hour ahead of time. The HR group from Ireland who are going to this event are heading to see "Hairspray" at the Shaftesbury Theatre tomorrow, so we'll meet up in the centre of London. We reckon that will be our only chance to have a bit of enjoyment as it will be a busy week of workshops.
Bristol should be fun, if Ian gets his passport back from the Ghana embassy in time to go. Otherwise I'll be exploring by myself. It sounds like a nice city. We might even get some Christmas shopping done, though I'm not sure what I need to buy. Anyone any ideas on a present for Gran? Dad "bought" me my present in Chesneau, Kilkenny, last weekend, so that's me fixed up. I've apparently bought him his present too, so that's him fixed up.
I did a spring clean of the kitchen and living room area today, scrubbing floors and walls. The wall tiles in the kitchen are literally sparkling - they must have been very greasy. Unfortunately the dogs don't respect clean things and seem to think it is fine to walk with muddy paws (and stomachs, and ....) on the clean floor, and jump on the furniture.
Gardening today included putting all the spinach plants I had dug up yesterday onto the compost heap. I also dug up some beetroot for today's dinner. The broccoli plants are looking good, but I don't think they will have broccoli on them in time to feed Ian before he goes to Ghana. We'll just have to eat it ourselves, or freeze it for his return.
That's it for now!
I'm off to Londinium tomorrow, and on to Bristol on Friday. It's great to be able to check in on-line. I know what seat I'll be sitting on, and only need to be at the airport an hour ahead of time. The HR group from Ireland who are going to this event are heading to see "Hairspray" at the Shaftesbury Theatre tomorrow, so we'll meet up in the centre of London. We reckon that will be our only chance to have a bit of enjoyment as it will be a busy week of workshops.
Bristol should be fun, if Ian gets his passport back from the Ghana embassy in time to go. Otherwise I'll be exploring by myself. It sounds like a nice city. We might even get some Christmas shopping done, though I'm not sure what I need to buy. Anyone any ideas on a present for Gran? Dad "bought" me my present in Chesneau, Kilkenny, last weekend, so that's me fixed up. I've apparently bought him his present too, so that's him fixed up.
I did a spring clean of the kitchen and living room area today, scrubbing floors and walls. The wall tiles in the kitchen are literally sparkling - they must have been very greasy. Unfortunately the dogs don't respect clean things and seem to think it is fine to walk with muddy paws (and stomachs, and ....) on the clean floor, and jump on the furniture.
Gardening today included putting all the spinach plants I had dug up yesterday onto the compost heap. I also dug up some beetroot for today's dinner. The broccoli plants are looking good, but I don't think they will have broccoli on them in time to feed Ian before he goes to Ghana. We'll just have to eat it ourselves, or freeze it for his return.
That's it for now!
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