Eyes on Kenya

Coming back from a quite depressive Protest of the Kenyan Diaspora in Berlin, I was eager to hear news from Kenya, first of all, news from the people I know. And I was relieved to hear that it was not so violent today.

A friend of mine, who was afraid of leaving her flat, living as a Kikuyu in a rather tensed neighbourhood, send me a sms that things were OK today. The last time we talked she was telling me that she had not left her house for days and was living only on ugali, since there was no food and she thought it was dangerous to go out. She said that she thought that her neighbours would do anything to her. After a small pause she continued: “I guess that people in Rwanda thought the same...” “But Kenya is not Rwanda!” a insistently replied. And I hope it will never be. It was good to hear from her today.

Kenyan Jurist wrote today:

“What is clear is that the full story of all the atrocities out there is not being reported. The situation in Kisumu, Kakamega, Kisii and Eldoret is bleak and it will take many years to repair the damage to the communities affected.”

From the little news I got from Nyanza Province I have to agree. I hope that those atrocities will not be forgotten and maybe a Truth and Reconciliation could be done. Honourable Bishop Desmond Tutu, who already did so much for Kenya could help here. But in order to get there a government is needed that has nothing to hide.

Mental Acrobatic blogged two stories of grass root initiatives that Kenyans are taking to building bridges of healing. My great hope is that the Kenyan civil society will be stronger in the aftermath of this crisis.

From a reliable source I heard that a high figure in the US Diplomatic staff said some weeks before the election: “Do you believe the United States would acknowledge a President, who named his son Fidel Castro Odinga?” I ask myself, "what will this guy think when he comes home, having a President called Barack Hussein Obama? " What is it with Luos and first names? By the way, Obam means “not straight”, but don't tell Hillary, she will use it against him.

Speaking of Obama, I just remember one of my favourite Gado Cartoons with Barak giving a talk show interview. The host asks him to tell her something about his roots. He replies: “My father was born in a little African village called Kenya.” At least some more people know this little village now.

Speaking of Gado, here is how he saw Kibaki's world record in taking Kenya's presidential crown.

Since I know that I will get replies for putting this on my blog, calling me not objective and Pro Raila, let me tell you, this is from the Daily Nation.

Next posts will be more serious again!