Instability, tensions still high after disputed elections in Kenya

[JM]

Tensions are still running high and the situation is still unstable outside Nairobi, Kenya, following the disputed elections of December 27. Rival gangs from opposing tribes are still roaming the streets, looking for revenge.

An American missionary in Kisumu, 375 Km or about 233 miles west of Nairobi -- and not far from where a church was set on fire and 30 people died after incumbent President Kibaki was re-elected -- says it is difficult to determine the larger context of exactly what is happening.

He writes: "I'm not sure how much help I can be in regards to the larger context of things. I don't have a T.V. and so just catch bits and pieces (who knows what's accurate) from others.

"Here in Kisumu, demonstrations (riots) were held this last Wednesday through Friday. Just on the other side of our back wall, men were taunting the police to come down to them. Last night, they were burning things along Ring road which borders the Nyalinda slum. On Wednesday and Thursday they were rioting in the Kondele and Obunga areas.

"Some people believe there has been an order from the top of 'shoot to kill' rather than using rubber bullets or other tactics, but I don't think that's been confirmed. It doesn't look (at this point anyway) like there will be another election."

After the missionary's last update to ANS, he returned home to find someone in the compound with a machete. "He was very drunk and was threatening people with a machete. He has been by at various times, saying he wants to burn our home and kill a staff member, who is a Kikuyu. This worker has left town because of threats against him. Despite being 'one of the nicest guys you could meet' the worker he has done nothing to him except to help him."

Two men came by one day and were looking for the worker. "They wanted to burn his home and one of them threatened to burn our house if we were harboring him. The worker had been staying with us whenever he felt threatened in his home, but wasn't with us that day," the missionary said.

"On Wednesday the demonstrations started. A fully automatic rifle opened fire behind our back wall and sounded like it was just a couple of houses up. I've been around guns all my life but never where the bullets were aimed at people. It was scary.

"That was the day about seven others robbed our next door neighbor (in broad daylight) with machetes and pistols (which may have been fake). They had just been by our place a short time before and I was thankful I didn't open the gate!"

The missionary said it seems like the northern part of town is where the brunt of the demonstrations have been happening this time around. "Unfortunately, that's where we live. Yesterday there was more looting in our neighborhood," he said.

The missionary, who works with drug addicts on the streets outside Nairobi, continued: "I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say I was discouraged. We don't have a whole lot to show for all our efforts. Two men are the only guys we have in the home now. At the moment they're both doing real well and we're thankful for that, but just a couple of weeks ago they were both ready to hit the streets. They were upset about our rule that we walk together as a group when we go out. The rule is never a problem unless the group is angry, then that rule, as well as all the others become unreasonable to them.

"If only one of them makes it, it'll be worth the effort. Nobody here wants to work with these older guys from the street, but I don't think God is done, even with the guys who have left. His Spirit will continue to speak to them as we continue to pray for them. Lots of good seed has been planted in their hearts."

The missionary said his job isn't to change them, but to love and teach them. "Right now, I really need your prayers for help with vengeful thoughts. I'm writing this from another American's home. They've also been threatened by guys that they have worked with in the past. It appears that Satan's working overtime right now. 1 John 5:18 says, 'There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.' Please pray that I will be made perfect in love. Thank you!"