
"THE events of the last two weeks in Kenya have exposed just how fragile democracy is when it does not enjoy the protection of a country’s political leadership. Kenya has become the scene of two very different political dynamics which threaten to turn this stable east African country into a cauldron of ethnic violence and political uncertainty..."Carlos Serra [pt], from Mozambique, writes a letter to Barack Obama, in which he pleads with him to help Kenya: “Well, your father was born there, therefore Senator, you are one of us, you are African, you are Kenyan. Senator: Get in a plane and go to Nairobi to talk with those agitated companions. They need you. And by doing so you would give an extraordinary example with important repercusions for the future of the world”. [English and a Portuguese versions of the letter are posted.]
NAIROBI, 5 January 2008 (IRIN) - The crisis prompted by Kenya’s 27 December elections has left large numbers of people stranded in various parts of the country due to insecurity on the roads and general uncertainty. Many Nairobi residents and migrant workers travelled “up-country” to spend holidays with family or to vote in their rural constituency.
Returning to the capital Nairobi has been impossible for many. They are now stranded without paychecks in places where shops and banks have only been open intermittently and are running low on stocks. Access to cash and mobile phone credit cards has become difficult and prices for basics have risen.
Keeping in touch with family and friends, and exchanging updates on the situation are a priority for many. More: Diaspora Clicks In To Keep Kenya Talking
Kenya quickly slides from calm to chaos
Kenya's new refugees take stock of their losses
US mediates Kenya crisis as opposition hardens stance
Tag: Kenya