The latest update from former Demon basketball assistant coach Joe Peterson:
"In some ways, I can say the violence is reducing, but in other ways it is getting worse. Most of the rural places, such as Mbita, have returned to somewhat normal conditions except that most shops are closed and food and other materials are in short supply. Transportation is still non-existent between towns. In the major towns, police are in full force and there are running battles going on at different times throughout the day.
Over 150 people have died throughout the country since December 28th. The violence has been based on ethnicity. Certain tribes are ganging up against other ones and chasing them away, burning their houses, shops and threatening their lives. While I was stuck at the airport in Kisumu on Saturday several Kikuyu families (the same tribe as President Kibaki) had fled to the airport after their houses and all their possessions were burnt. They had no money and were trying to figure out how to get out of that area. In Mbita, they have attacked any Kikuyu or Kisii because they believe they are the enemies. The mother of one of our students at CGA had her small kiosk burned down and had to hide her family in Lillian's house (our orphan overseer) for a night. Several others from different tribes stowed away in her house that night before being taken into police protective custody. This has put Lillian in danger as some of our ignorant local leaders have threatened to burn her house down. They seem to be pretty empty threats, but it is a risk. A former teacher, Beatrice Ollimo, is now living in Eldoret and her house has also become a rescue center for many different tribes. Many Christians and churches and police stations across the country have become havens for over 70,000 people who have been displaced because of the violence. Lack of food and basic supplies will become a huge issue in the upcoming days. In the bigger cities there was a mad dash for food and supplies as some stores opened up today.
One such church in Eldoret was holding over 300 people that had been chased from their homes and were in serious danger. Late this afternoon, thugs set the church on fire and ended up killing 30 people. So sad.
I had the opportunity to walk around town today and visit friends. While most normal people are sane and can understand the situation and look at it through biblical eyes, many are just plain ignorant. They can blame certain tribes for all their problems and all the problems in the country. They can make huge generalizations that an entire tribe is evil. Even religious leaders can be very ignorant. It is sad to say, but I think there are people who actually want a civil war in this country. Can you imagine? Kenya has been such a peaceful and stable nation for so long. I think some people really don't understand the grave consequences of war. That amazes me since Kenya is surrounded by many examples of the results of war such as Rwanda, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda.
On the political side, there is a lot of pressure coming from the U.S., U.K., and EU about re-counting votes or re-tallying or having another election. The government has given no indication of following any of those recommendations and claims that people should accept the results of a free and fair election. President Kibaki has said he is ready to meet with the opposition. Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, has said he will not talk with President Kibaki unless he is willing to admit the election was rigged and give up the Presidency. He is claiming to have won by over one million votes. The opposition has been busy flying in a helicopter to each constituency to meet with the election officials and collect their official results. They are still planning a "peaceful" demonstration in Nairobi on the 3rd. I don't know if that is really possible and it could be a very ugly day across the country. I hope all the political leaders in the country realize how delicate things are now and are very careful of their words and how they incite their followers.
I don't think there will be much more news to report until the 3rd when the rally is supposed to take place.
Thank you for your continued prayers. We know and believe that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). God can even use the very worst situations for his glory. We pray that his light will shine down in the darkness that is here now! It seems that there really is not much hope unless we turn to him!
JOe Peterson"
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