Traveling Cat

My heart is breaking for Kenya during the aftermath of last week’s elections.

NY Times says: “The dubious conclusion of the most fiercely fought election in Kenya’s history has produced a wave of ethnic fighting. After three days of rioting, some streets in Nairobi are beginning to look like war zones, with trucks of soldiers rumbling through a wasteland of burned cars and abandoned homes, their tires crunching over broken glass. Gangs of young men have built roadblocks between the neighborhoods of the Kikuyus, Mr. Kibaki’s tribe, and those of the Luos, the tribe of Raila Odinga, the top opposition leader, who narrowly lost the election. The nomad’s land between them is often a single lane of potholed asphalt, patrolled by thugs with huge rocks in their hands. In some areas, witnesses said that mobs were stopping cars, pulling out passengers and demanding identification cards to determine whether they were Kikuyu (one can often tell by the name). If so, they were killed.”

I read that paragraph and I can picture it so clearly in my head. It makes my eyes tear right up. By “some streets” in Nairobi, I suspect they are probably referring to River Road, streets in Kibera, streets in Mathare, and maybe even Racecourse Road. I remember some fighting last year over street vendors when I was taking a taxi from the Akamba to Racecourse. There were people running in the streets down River Road, gun shots going off on either side of our vehicle, police unloading from trucks, running after them in their riot gear. I remember Cindy and I passing a burning matatu on River Road last December when Mungiki was on a killing rampage. Even with my own proximity to occasional violence, I think Kenya’s generally considered more stable than many/most African countries. However, if the media portrayal is anywhere near accurate, I imagine this week’s post election violence could be ten times scarier than Mungiki or street fighting. And I imagine it’s much more widespread too since it’s happening in slums, in Nairobi, and in other towns around the country.

I’m sad to think Kenya might become one of those unstable countries… one where the president rigs elections and the opposition plans coups and everything becomes scary and unreliable and the nation isn’t any better than a common thug of a country. Most Kenyans are proud and peaceful people, but it sounds like there’s more proof of Kibaki rigging the votes to win his re-election. NYT says “European Union observers said Kenya’s election commission ignored undeniable evidence of vote rigging to keep the government in power.” And it doesn’t sound like Odinga or the opposition supporters are going to give up very easily. Latest reports say over 135 are dead, riots are continuing across the country, and there’s even been a curfew imposed in some places. And Kibaki’s government took steps toward martial law on Sunday night when they banned all live media broadcasts. Wow.

If you’ve got any energy in you this evening for something in addition to drinks and NYE celebrations, please think kind thoughts for Kenya and hope a peaceful resolution comes with the start of the new year.

I am not surprised by the delays in results from the current Kenya election, nor am I surprised by the ensuing riots in Kakamega and other towns. However, from here, it looks like otherwise went okay… all things considered. Not too many riots, not too many shootings, not too many claims of rigging. Sounds like lots of change is on the way… at least from the preliminary results reported.

The Daily Nation says:

Anger over delay in results
Publication Date: 12/29/2007

Pressure has mounted on the Electoral Commission to release results faster. Fire billows on Jommo Kenyatta highway in Kisumu after angry youths started rioting over delay in releasing results today. It is Day Three after voting ended but the race for the Presidency between Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga is still open with results from several constituencies still outstanding.

The delay in the tallying of results has caused panic in parts of the country, with demonstrations reported in Kisumu, Homabay, Migori and Kakamega, while in Nairobi some motorists avoided the central business district.

Protestors in the towns demanded release of the election results. Some looters took advantage of the situation to raid shops. They lit bonfires along streets and barricaded major roads.

The Electoral Commission appealed for calm at an early morning Press conference, saying it was doing its best to get out the final results. “We are doing our best, just bear with us. The delay has been caused by the large number of candidates and the huge turnout, that is why even in Starehe constituency, where we are now, we did not get results until moments ago,” said Mr Muturi Kigano, a commissioner.

Raila opens gap against Kibaki in State House race
Publication Date: 2007/12/29

ODM presidential candidate Raila Odinga had Friday evening opened a 900,000 votes lead over President Kibaki as counting of presidential ballots entered the second day. With about half of the votes tallied, Mr Odinga was leading with 3.3 million against the President’s 2.4 million votes.

Mr Odinga, the son of a Kenya’s first vice-president and opposition leader Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was ahead of President Kibaki in Nyanza, Western, Coast and Rift Valley provinces. President Kibaki was leading in Central and Eastern while the two were sharing the votes in Nairobi.

Kenyan law requires a winning presidential candidate to not only score a majority vote but also be elected MP and secure at least 25 per cent of the presidential vote in at least five of the eight provinces. Both President Kibaki and Mr Odinga appeared to satisfy these requirements.

Retired president Daniel arap Moi’s campaign for President Kibaki in Rift Valley Province appeared not to have convinced voters even in his own Baringo backyard, where results from several polling stations showed Mr Odinga leading. Mr Moi’s sons, Gideon, Jonathan and Raymond, who were running for seats in the Rift Valley lost.

Newcomers trounce top politicians
Publication Date: 2007/12/29

At least 20 ministers, including Vice-President Moody Awori, were among the giants who were felled by voters in Thursday’s elections. The losers included President Kibaki’s long time allies as well as veteran politicians such as former influential Cabinet minister Nicholas Biwott.

Former President Moi’s son Gideon lost to former Lands Commissioner Sammy Mwaita. Two other sons of retired President Moi – Jonathan and Raymond – were also rejected in the historic elections that saw little known newcomers make their way to the 10th Parliament.

A number of assistant ministers, party leaders among them Safina’s Paul Muite and Kanu chief whip Justin Muturi also fell by the way side. Other losers are ministers Kipruto Kirwa, Raphael Tuju, Kivutha Kibwana, Mohamed Abdi Mahmud, Musikari Kombo, Joseph Munyao, Mutua Katuku, Newton Kulundu, David Mwiraria, Mukhisa Kituyi, Njenga Karume, Henry Obwocha and Simeon Nyachae.

Roads minister Nyachae lost the Nyaribari Chache seat to newcomer Robert Onsare Monda of Narc. The former Nakuru-based veterinary officer defeated Mr Nyachae by 11, 336 votes to 9,909.

The fate of Paul Sang was also sealed while Njeru Ndwiga was trailing his opponent Emilio Kathuri.

Public Service minister Moses Akaranga lost to ODM presidential running mate Musalia Mudavadi while former Nairobi Water Company chairman Kabando wa Kabando dethroned Information and Communication’s minister Mutahi Kagwe.

Assistant ministers Kalembe Ndile, Raphael Wanjala’s fate was also sealed. Tourism and Wildlife’s Morris Dzoro was trailing his main rival by the time of going to Press.

And Education minister George Saitoti was going through a hard time in his Kajiado North constituency where counting was violently disrupted with claims of rigging.

Mr Awori, who has represented Funyula for 25 uninterrupted years, lost to his bitter rival Dr Paul Otuoma of ODM. Dr Otuoma sought court orders two weeks ago to block the police from arresting him and two others following the lynching of two people two years ago. The court granted him a three-month reprieve to enable him campaign. He told the court he was being harassed and intimidated through unwarranted arrests and prosecutions following his declaration to vie for Parliament against the VP.

Mr Biwott also lost the Keiyo South parliamentary seat which he has represented since 1979 to Mr Jackson Kiptanui of ODM.

An elated Kiptanui described the win as a miracle and appealed to professionals from the area to ‘‘come back home’’ and help develop the constituency.

Agriculture minister Kirwa who has served Cherengany as MP since 1989 was defeated by ODM’s Joshua Kutuni by 13,458 against 11,253. The 29-year-old Kutuni, in welcoming his victory, said he would serve the cosmopolitan constituency without favouritism.

Dr Kulundu lost to retired auditor Manyala Keya of Ford Kenya who garnered 16,035 votes against Dr Kulundu’s 7,469.

Mr Mwiraria who is the minister for Environment lost to bitter rival Silas Muriuki, a veteran trade unionist and teacher. Mr Muriuki vied on Mazingira Green Party while Mr Mwiraria stood on PNU. The minister stormed out of the counting hall at Meru school before the final results were announced.

Dr Kituyi lost to Ford Kenya’s Dr David Eseli Simiyu.

Prof Kibwana, one-term MP, lost the Makueni constituency to former Provincial Commissioner Peter Kiilu. Prof Kibwana was one of President Kibaki’s pointman in Lower Eastern and vied on PNU ticket. Mr Kiilu won on an ODM-K ticket.

Mr Muturi, the outgoing Kanu chief whip and key ally to Kanu chairman Uhuru Kenyatta, lost to bitter rival Lenny Kivuti.

Defence minister Karume was defeated by his bitter rival Stanley Githunguri of Kanu in Kiambaa. Mr Githunguri of Kanu got 69,078 votes against Karume’s 14,304.

Mr Obwocha lost to former provincial medical officer of health, Dr James Gesami.

Mr Kombo lost to his veteran rival Alfred Sambu of ODM in a controversial election that saw the Local Government Minister’s protest the results arguing they were not free.

Mr Muite, a fiery politician who participated in fight for second liberation, was sent home by PNU candidate Lewis Nguyai.

Mr Ndile of TIP was whitewashed by Prof Philip Kaloki of ODM-K.

In Kilome, former MP Mutinda Mutiso failed to sustain the ODM-K wave as he was trounced by former anti-graft czar Harun Mwau.

The polls also saw the return of former powerful permanent secretary Zakayo Cheruiyot who bagged the Kuresoi seat.

Heritage minister Shakombo lost the Likoni seat to former Mombasa mayor Masoud Mwahima of ODM.

The politician got 17,859 votes against Mr Shakombo’s 7,324.
An excited Mwahima led his supporters in Mombasa streets.

A year ago yesterday I was leaving my village in Kenya, officially moving out of my house and moving on to unknown adventures. It was a sad and nostalgic week leading up to it, where we did many goodbye lunches and finally took many pics of everyday life in the village that we’d never photographed before (like the fabulous lavender “Lady Gay” signs advertising feminine products). :) Driving away from the village I remember every tree looking as beautiful as always, every hill looking as scenic ever, and every herds boy on the road seeming as friendly and perfect and meant to be there as possible. I don’t think it’s possible for me to tire of the beauty of Western Kenya, or of the kindness of the people, and though it was time to move on, leaving was still a sad, contemplative day. We remedied that quickly with my birthday, xmas, and new years celebrations in Lamu. After a year in the village with no going out after 7pm, I was dancing on the beach, sleeping under the stars, sailing, swimming, and living it up. We had good times in Lamu and the subsequent months backpacking, but I still miss Kenya and my life in the village…

Our buddy Josh in the Peace Corps in Zambia and is leaving his village tomorrow. Here’s a short excerpt from a long note he sent:

I keep waiting for the village to feel differently now that I’m about to leave, more dramatic some how, but it doesn’t. life continues on pretty much the same as always, with me bumbling my way through the village experience. I’ve told all my close friends that I’m leaving, their disappointment and sadness at hearing the news has been slightly gratifying but mostly painful. I’ve shared a lot of adventures, funny moments, mis-steps, and cultural understandings and misunderstandings with all of them. It is difficult to cultivate a friendship with most Zambians beyond a certain level because of any number of barriers—race, gender, culture, class, language, etc. but with some of my friends we were able to get beyond those, and the results were incredibly rewarding, allowing me a longer glimpse into Zambian life and the companionship of people with whom I could have an honest conversation about difficult topics. One such friend is bana kaunda, the lady I wrote about some time back who lost her oldest daughter to a stomach ailment. Because of the barriers to friendship mentioned earlier, some people are hesitant to approach me to talk, ask if I wanted to join in an activity, etc., but that distance was never a problem with bana kaunda—she was always at ease with me and didn’t hesitate to ask if I wanted to be involved. She would wander over, for instance, and ask if I’d like to help her pound cassava (of course I said “no, that’s woman’s work,” but I appreciated the gesture nonetheless).

Josh has a great use of dry humor in his writing, but it’s still so heartfelt and always hits me really close to home. I know my sadness at leaving wasn’t unique and it’s good to hear from others going through similar experiences. Many best wishes to Josh on his future adventures in Lusaka!