Political Crisis in Kenya

The political crisis in Kenya is a direct result of a spiritual and social conflict rooted in tribal tensions and decades of unresolved issues. The American Ambassador reminded me on the local news that we Americans went through a similar crisis when Martin Luther King was assassinated in the late 60’s. As we learned through the unresolved social issues of the 60’s, societies are deeply injured by ethnic tensions and avoidance only compounds the issues. Kenya's church leaders believe that the current social political conflict is rooted in spiritual problems. They believe Kenya is in need of reconciliation to end tribal tensions, restore confidence and peace in communities that are shared by many tribal groups..

Ruins of Toi Market, largets in Kibera,

Once covering several acres of densely packed shops and market stands. This place looks like a WW I battle zone. Hundreds of thousands of people used this market daily and thousands of people depended on Toi for their income. Market places are the heartbeat of African community. How long will it take to get it back? Today it's completely desolate.

Kibera Road

This road is the main artery by which public transport, food, and all supplies make their way into Kibera where 1.2 million people live. It was blocked by burned out vehicles, large tanks, and debris from torn down shops. Now commerce to Kibera has been drastically interupted. Although a few buses are circulating with a few passengers, few consumer goods are coming in accept carried on the shoulders of hungry residents of the slums trying to get their small businesses going again.

Churches Targeted in Riots

Many church structures have been destroyed by Muslim youth taking advantage of the widespread anarchy and violence throughout Kibera. The debris in the background of this picture were the homes of Pastor Pius Kidinga and Mama Milicent with her son Alvin. Five families living here lost their homes and all their earthly goods in the riots. Mama Milicent lost her husband to AIDS and is HIV positive. Her and Alvin and several other families are living in Sunday school rooms at a nearby church. People like them are all over Kibera, living without blankets, cooking utensils, and food. Most food aid getting into Kibera is maize flour, rice, and other dried food products that require cooking.

Dickering for a Sheepskin and jewlry

Josiah has learned that when “Wazungu” (westerners) ask “How much is it?” We’re going to get a very high price. And so now he wrinkles his nose at them and show his displeasure before he tells him what he believes is the 'real' price. Notice his wool had and flip flops. When we left home that day, it was very warm. By the time we reached the top of the Abadere, it was very chilly.