Hello friends,

I am indeed saddened by what has been happening in Kenya since the recently concluded general elections.  While ordinary Kenyans turned out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right to vote, some standing patiently in line for over 8 hours to make their voices heard, it has now become evident that the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) allowed for flaws and rigging to take effect both during the final tallying and reporting processes of the presidential results.  Nearly 300 (the numbers are rising) people have already lost their lives and over 70,000 rendered homeless.  Communication is very difficult within Kenya and it is increasingly becoming very painful to watch some of the media clips coming out of Kenya on television.  It saddens me and literally breaks my heart.  It is very difficult to accept or come to terms with any of it.

 I just learned this morning that my brother in-law was attacked (with a machete) two nights ago and had to be rushed to the hospital.  He is now  at home recovering. Otherwise, every one else seems to be doing fine and staying put for now.  There are shortages of food, fuel and water in many areas, a sad humanitarian crisis unfolding.   I have also spent the last several days on the phone to Kenya, relaying messages to, and between my siblings who are in different parts of the country since there is a media blackout and they are not able to communicate with one another.  My brother in Nairobi is making plans to get his family out of the city and to the village as soon as possible but there are no means and there is no guarantee that they will be safe there either. It is indeed very, very sad for Kenya.

Kenyans in the Diaspora have been very disappointed at the slow pace with which the international community had chosen to address and/or respond to what is going on in Kenya for what it is--a rigged election.  We are however pleased to see that it is slowly capturing the attention of the international media community and hope it is for the good.

Here in Ames we are planning on holding a prayer meeting this evening at the University Village Community Center starting at 6 pm.

Please continue to pray for the Kenyan people and for a peaceful resolution to this madness.

Sincerely,

Ebby Luvaga