We've seen a different Nairobi

Smoke blackened horizon, gun shots reverberating in the air and people running down the street in front of our home followed by riot police moving in formation were some of our experiences these past few days in Nairobi. In between these tense times are some surreal days of rushing out to buy food and other daily supplies. We were very fortunate that a car was donated to us last August since public transportation has been very limited in the city. We have fared quite well in contrast to most people of Nairobi who live in blockaded settlements, many have to rely on humanitarian aid. The number of internally displaced people has risen up over 100,000 as of January 4th.

The current situation is in sad contrast to the Nairobi we have seen prior to the election. We are used to the busyness of a city that is like many other major metropolitan cities around the world. Prior to the election, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation mixed with anxiety about the election. Friends and people we met on the street had a cautious yet hopeful approach to a violence-free election. Over dinner one night before the election, I asked a close friend and peace activist about the possibility of election violence. We were told with quiet conviction that Kenya has matured beyond those early years of a fledgling democratic country… that the violence of 80s and early 90s were unlikely to be repeated in Kenya. This seemed to be the cautious expectation of many others. No one we spoke to had any undue fear of excessive election violence breaking out in Kenya.

Perhaps this is why the events of the past few days have been so alarming and so sad. We were praying along with Kenyans for a peaceful election, but also that Kenya will lead the way in Africa for a successful democracy – where the people can truly determine their future through their active participation, their votes. Indeed the day of the election itself was applauded by most observers as an orderly and successful voting day. People turned up at the polling station at 3 AM in the morning to make sure they get to vote for their candidate. What happened?! The struggle for power by those in power continues to create havoc for the ordinary citizens and for the cause of democracy.

The freedom of movement that the people of Nairobi experienced before is now curtailed. People move cautiously out from their homes with ears and eyes in full alert for breaking news that would signal the need to quickly get back home. Today, I had a horrible toothache so we decided to go to see my dentist. I called ahead of time and was relieved when the office was opened. When I got there, the dentists in the office were gathered around a computer looking for the latest word on whether a political rally would happen or not. This is our reality – weighing the risk of going out with what needs to be done in our daily life.

In the midst of all this ambiguity, we still try to celebrate the arrival of Anastasia Lee, our newest team and community member. Needless to say our plans to welcome Anastasia to the sights and taste of Nairobi has been greatly curtailed. She will be going to language school soon. We hope by the time Anastasia comes back from language school in Tanzania we will be able to show her a lot more of Nairobi.