[Kwg-list] Bad Things Happening

[Penny Parnes]

Hi Julie
Thanks so much for the update. Mr. Okidi has been very much on my mind as I
have read the newspapers over the past few days. I am glad to hear that he
and his family are safe. We will certainly keep them front and centre for a
peaceful future. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Happy New Year
to KWG. Warm regards. PEnny

-----Original Message-----
From: kwg-list-bounces at kenyaworkinggroup.org
[mailto:kwg-list-bounces at kenyaworkinggroup.org] On Behalf Of Julie Hard
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 7:18 AM
To: kwg-list at kenyaworkinggroup.org; Tyler Stiem
Subject: [Kwg-list] Bad Things Happening

Hello Everyone,

As many of you are aware, presidential elections have taken place in
Kenya the results of which have thrown the country into chaos.  News
reports around the world are talking about the backlash of a narrow
victory by the current president Kibaki over opposition leader Riala
Odinga.  Accusations of vote rigging and general discontent over
leadership has led to protesters taking to the street, rioting and
looting.

I just spoke with Mr. Okidi this morning and the situation is serious
throughout the country, not just in the major towns that we have been
hearing about in the news.  Currently he and his family are unable to
leave their home compound for the violence and chaos in the area.  He
tells me that there is fighting, and bullets flying just outside of
his gate while people take refuge in his compound.  Those who are out
on the road risk losing anything of value and most of the shops in the
town of Rongo have been burned down and looted.  The police station
was charged today by a mob of rioters intent on burning down the
police station two of which were killed in gun fire.

At the moment, the Okidis are relatively safe but their close
approximation to town and the main road is cause for concern.  Last
evening a group of people came to his house trying to force the family
out to join the protest.  By the grace of God however the group left
peacefully.  The vehicle that we have helped to raise funds for sits
in the compound with the wiring tampered with to prevent it from
starting as it is a likely target for thieves.  No vehicles are moving
on the roads accept for those of the military.

It is a very tenuous time in Kenya when the government and its
leadership has an opportunity to work through these problems and good
governance is essential.  I ask that you keep the Okidis, their family
and all of those who we have been working with and befriended in your
prayers and in your thoughts today and for the days to come.

With a Heavy Heart,

Julie

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