Upcoming Elections

Kenya Election Violence in 2007

Although the Peace Corps and the US Embassy keep close watch on the current events in the country, and will always ensure safety and security for all Peace Corps volunteers, we cannot just ignore and be caught unawares.  This article is very excellent explanation of the upcoming elections in Kenya.  I live in Mukurwe-ini village, near Karatina and Nyeri towns in Central Providence, which is smack in the heart of the Kikuyu tribe mentioned often in the article.

In 2007 their elections ended in violence since the elections appeared not to be proper angering many people.  The Peace Corps had recalled some volunteers out of country, and relocated them and some were sent home.  Some returned to Kenya after everything calmed down.

We, the volunteers, were trained repeatedly not to participate in any political activities, nor be near any of their events, nor even talk or discuss politics or our political views in any way.

This post is not intended to scare you, as we are taken care of quite well, and we believe this election should be peaceful this time around with much more international attention and assistance.

Enjoy reading, if this thing interests you, especially if knowing I am smack in the middle of Kenya with the current event interests you even more...

http://www.cfr.org/kenya/electoral-violence-kenya/p29761