Uncertain Days Ahead

Kenya seems to have heeded a New Year's Day call to peace issued from many civic and religious leaders after the country wide rioting which erupted on December 30th and 31st over rigging claims in the national election. Despite the immediate swearing in of President Kibaki for a second term of office, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rejected the polling results which have come into serious question by outside election observers. The rioting has hit worse in townships such as Kisumu where over forty people are reported to have been killed and many of the homes and businesses have been looted and burned. In Nairobi, skirmishes between the police and angry protesters have been contained mostly within slum areas where outrage over the election is sounding loudest.

Yesterday we had the challenge of getting Erica's mother, Mary, home from the airport which is on the other side of the city. With the ODM leader, Odinga, having called for a city wide rally in Uhuru Park and the military preparing for rioting, this was no simple task. We are so thankful for the people who have been praying for our security and for peace in Kenya. I made a dash for the airport in the morning and encountered no protesters. The main highway that runs through the centre of the city was lined with riot police and military, but everything was quiet. By evening, the threat had dissipated and Mary and I were able to drive home without worry -- Erica and three very excited grand kids were awaiting our return!

A few shops opened up again today and people emerged from their homes glad to be able to restock cupboards. We were even able to find some eggs, but meat, fresh milk and meat are still in short supply. We are very comfortable and feel safe away from the violence.

Please continue to pray for Kenya. Odinga has called for a million Kenyans to assemble in Nairobi on January 3rd for him to declare himself "the people's president". Such a rally could turn very ugly. We rely on the Lord to bring lasting peace back to Kenya.