“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”
—Romans 8:28
I read an old adage in the paper this week that said, “When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” It is hard to think of a better description for what is happening in Kenya right now.
Though our country is in the middle of a political battle, it is those who are already marginalized who are suffering the most. The latest reports claim that more than 600 people have lost their lives and close to 300,000 people are displaced from their homes.
Some people fled for their safety and others ran as protesters burned their homes down. This controversial election has brought out what seems to be underlying anger…. Though recent days are much more peaceful in Nairobi and other areas, the effects of the unrest will be felt for a long time.
Of the 300,000 displaced people, some were able to return to their homes and some are now staying with relatives. However, there are those who have nowhere to go and are staying at “camps” around the country.
Though some people did not lose their homes and possessions, life is still harder right now. Prices have gone up considerably and some items are still hard to obtain. Therefore, it is the general feeling that we will help whomever we can.
On Friday, our emergency chaplain team, which I’m a part of, travelled to one of the small Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps at the Huruma police station. We arrived to find about 250 people sitting in straight lines looking for any food and supplies and help they could get.
We gave them maize flour, blankets, and cooking fat. As we were distributing this, another 250 people lined up along the fence, hoping to get a little of our help. We were able to give all of them blankets as well.
We also managed to give each of the children a bottle of juice; sometimes the little things can encourage people. Fifty–seven families at this location were registered with the police and lost everything in the violence. We left supplies for all of them as well.
As an emergency chaplain team, we are committed to giving spiritual and pastoral counselling, as well as practical help. On Monday, I was able to return to this camp with a partner to visit. As we entered, we met with 26 families that have lost everything.
They are staying outside on old mattresses if they are lucky; on the grass if they came with nothing. Most have the same story. They fled in the middle of the night with the clothes on their backs to find refuge from the violence. They have no home to return to.
As many as 30 children are at the site and most of them cannot return to school. The needs are great, but the women tell me that little things, such as sugar, clothes for the infants, more mattresses help make their situation better. We brought two bags of charcoal to make cooking easier. Many people worry about the loss of identification and important papers. I met a woman from Tanzania who does not have ID or paperwork; she does not know what she will do.
As I sat in my office yesterday and today, I watched army personnel in full riot gear pass by my window. It is a strange sight, but one that is necessary right now. The opposing party called for some protest rallies in the next few days. Nothing has happened today, so we are all optimistic that no more violence will break out.
I continue to remain completely safe. No foreigners have been injured or killed during these days. It is a fight fought among Kenyans, and they are not interested in involving anyone else.
Please continue to pray for this country. The majority of people are stunned that this is happening in “their Kenya” and are hoping for peace.
Editor's note:
Kenya, one of the most stable nations in East Africa, faced bedlam recently after a disputed presidential election triggered violence between opposition supporters and police. Hundreds of people seeking political and economic justice have been killed in repeated clashes in urban as well as rural areas.
