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"
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Update from Kenya
NOTE - Here's an update from Joe Peterson, the former Demon assistant basketball coach from 1999-2001 who is a missionary teacher in Kenya, where civil unrest has resulted in widespread violence after a disputed presidential election. He keeps many of his NSU friends in an e-mail loop with monthly updates on his experiences. If you need some background on Joe and his mission, visit the Demon Dust archives and read the April 4, 2004 column by Doug Ireland titled "Jumpin' Joe is on a mission of the most profound kind." Now, here's the latest from our man in Kenya:
"Thank you so much for all of your encouraging e-mails. More so, thank you for your many prayers for the school, our staff and students and for the country of Kenya. This country has long been recognized as the most peaceful and stable country in East Africa and one of the best on the continent so the recent troubles are really disconcerting.
Things are OK here in Mbita, Kenya. Immediately after the election results and swearing in of the incumbent President, major violence broke out all over Kenya. The police and military used force to try and stop the rioting. In Mbita there were protests, but most retreated quickly to their houses after the police began firing their guns. Some managed to burn and destroy small kiosks locally owned by people of different tribes. Luckily there were no deaths and only minor injuries sustained. As far as we know all of the CGA staff, students and their families are safe right now. Our orphan overseer, Lillian Ombori, had to house a few families from other tribes that were fearing for their lives last night. They were taken into protective custody by the police this morning.
In the bigger cities, the stakes were much higher. Over 120 people have died throughout the country in the past day, including 43 in Kisumu. Things have died down in most places throughout the country now, but riots continue to persist in the slums of the bigger cities where many impoverished people from various tribes live very closely to one another. Much of the violence is based on tribal lines or against the police force.
We are hoping that peace can be restored very quickly. Currently, the transportation around Kenya is totally paralyzed. No vehicles (public or private) are traveling anywhere because of the violence and road blocks set up by locals. This can be very difficult for rural areas like Mbita. The citizens are already starting to feel it. It is difficult to get basic necessities such as bread, flour, cards for cell phone credit, etc. It is not so serious now, but could develop into a major problem soon if things are not settled quickly. Luckily, in Mbita, we live on a lake and will always have fish to eat at the very least. Other areas are not as fortunate as us.
Things seem to be quieting down across the country and we pray that things will return to normal soon, though the political situation may not be settled for a while.
The European Union, U.S. and U.K. have all come out strongly against the transparency of the election. Observers were not allowed to watch the counting or tallying process in many areas. Others observed one set of results being read at the constituency level and then another being announced by the electoral commission. There are many red flags. It is hard to say who would have won if the election was fair, but I don't know if we will ever know the answer to that one. Four members of the electoral commission have come out and said there were many irregularities and are asking for a fresh inquiry.
Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, has urged his supporters to maintain peace. He has also called for a million people rally in Nairobi on January 3rd. That will be a very volatile situation. They have talked about setting up a parallel government. Their claim is that Kibaki has the police and military, while they (ODM) have the people. The way the leaders handle this situation is critical for the country to remain peaceful.
The government side has also called for peace and says they are trying to reach out to the opposition. In an effort to stem incitement, they have also banned all live media broadcasts which has infuriated many within Kenya and others outside the country.
Thank you for your prayers.
JOe Peterson"
"Thank you so much for all of your encouraging e-mails. More so, thank you for your many prayers for the school, our staff and students and for the country of Kenya. This country has long been recognized as the most peaceful and stable country in East Africa and one of the best on the continent so the recent troubles are really disconcerting.
Things are OK here in Mbita, Kenya. Immediately after the election results and swearing in of the incumbent President, major violence broke out all over Kenya. The police and military used force to try and stop the rioting. In Mbita there were protests, but most retreated quickly to their houses after the police began firing their guns. Some managed to burn and destroy small kiosks locally owned by people of different tribes. Luckily there were no deaths and only minor injuries sustained. As far as we know all of the CGA staff, students and their families are safe right now. Our orphan overseer, Lillian Ombori, had to house a few families from other tribes that were fearing for their lives last night. They were taken into protective custody by the police this morning.
In the bigger cities, the stakes were much higher. Over 120 people have died throughout the country in the past day, including 43 in Kisumu. Things have died down in most places throughout the country now, but riots continue to persist in the slums of the bigger cities where many impoverished people from various tribes live very closely to one another. Much of the violence is based on tribal lines or against the police force.
We are hoping that peace can be restored very quickly. Currently, the transportation around Kenya is totally paralyzed. No vehicles (public or private) are traveling anywhere because of the violence and road blocks set up by locals. This can be very difficult for rural areas like Mbita. The citizens are already starting to feel it. It is difficult to get basic necessities such as bread, flour, cards for cell phone credit, etc. It is not so serious now, but could develop into a major problem soon if things are not settled quickly. Luckily, in Mbita, we live on a lake and will always have fish to eat at the very least. Other areas are not as fortunate as us.
Things seem to be quieting down across the country and we pray that things will return to normal soon, though the political situation may not be settled for a while.
The European Union, U.S. and U.K. have all come out strongly against the transparency of the election. Observers were not allowed to watch the counting or tallying process in many areas. Others observed one set of results being read at the constituency level and then another being announced by the electoral commission. There are many red flags. It is hard to say who would have won if the election was fair, but I don't know if we will ever know the answer to that one. Four members of the electoral commission have come out and said there were many irregularities and are asking for a fresh inquiry.
Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, has urged his supporters to maintain peace. He has also called for a million people rally in Nairobi on January 3rd. That will be a very volatile situation. They have talked about setting up a parallel government. Their claim is that Kibaki has the police and military, while they (ODM) have the people. The way the leaders handle this situation is critical for the country to remain peaceful.
The government side has also called for peace and says they are trying to reach out to the opposition. In an effort to stem incitement, they have also banned all live media broadcasts which has infuriated many within Kenya and others outside the country.
Thank you for your prayers.
JOe Peterson"
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Half a world away, a friend in crisis
NOTE - Joe Peterson was a graduate assistant coach on Mike McConathy's NSU basketball staff in 1999-2001. For the last five years, he has been a missionary, teaching at a Christian school in rural Kenya. He's kept friends and supporters updated with a monthly newsletter. See the Demon Dust archives for information on his ministry. Early this morning, he sent friends the following dispatch:
Written by Joe Peterson
1:50 AM Pacific Time, early Sunday morning, December 30, 2007
It is going to be difficult for me to describe what has transpired the past few days, but I can tell you that the hand of God has been with me and I have seen him provide for and deliver me several times. He is a good God and He is a powerful God.
Before I start, let me tell you that I am in Mbita now at ICIPE. The gates are all locked and they are not allowing visitors in. This might be one of the safest places in the country right now. Mbita has stayed calm anyway, but you never know what can happen.
The plan I had devised for traveling and returning to Mbita in time was a very good plan. It would have worked to perfection, until Kenya Airways screwed it up. When we left Mumbai, India I was planning on not checking any bags in at the airport so I wouldn't be slowed down. The friend I was traveling with accidentally opened her mouth and asked the ticket agent if I could carry-on my bigger bag. A short debate began and I lost it. I was forced to check my one bag even though it could have easily fit in the overhead containers. It was going to be ok though because we arrived early into Nairobi at 6:10 am on Thursday (the day after elections). My flight to Kisumu was scheduled for 7:45 so I had an hour and a half. I was the first one off the plane and got through immigration very quickly. Now all I needed was my bag. So I waited… and waited… and waited. I tried to check in for my other flight, but they insisted that I wait for my bag before checking in. They also told me they could rush me in when I come. I was inquiring from Kenya Airways and was even going in the back of the baggage claim to look for it, but none of our flights bags were coming. I almost left it there (and should of), but they kept insisting it would be there soon. Finally it arrived at 7:35 am and I ran to the other terminal, but I was too late for my flight to Kisumu.
I complained to Kenya Airways and they almost got me on one of their flights that morning, but I barely missed that one too. After three hours of discussion and waiting, they were very kind to me and put me up in the Panari Hotel (very nice one) in Nairobi for the day and gave me meals there. I had a choice to fly out that night or wait until the next morning. Because I didn't want to travel at night and would have to find a hotel and meals in Kisumu, I decided to wait to fly until the next morning and enjoy a day of rest (that was my big mistake).
After a day of relaxation, our flight left early the 2nd day after election (Friday). Halfway to Kisumu the plane had to turn around and return to Nairobi because of mechanical failure. We waited for about an hour before taking off again. By the time we arrived in Kisumu it was 10:30 am and riots had already broken out across Kenya, and specifically in Kisumu.
Raila, the Luo candidate who is in the opposition, had opened up a big lead after the first day. On the morning of the 2nd day, suddenly President Kibaki dramatically surged forward into an almost dead heat with Raila. They are within 40,000 votes of one another with close to 10 millions ballots counted. Allegations of rigging the elections began flying and the whole country began riots in all major towns, especially Kisumu and Eldoret. There has definitely been some funny business with some polling stations reporting 115% voter turnout (which is impossible). Other ones have had one result from the polling station and then the numbers get inflated when they are reported by the Electoral Commission. Above all, some of these stations have really delayed, which makes you really curious why it takes over 3 days to count 50,000 votes for a single polling station. Some of the constituencies announced their parliamentary winners the day after the election, but still haven't released their presidential numbers three days later. Most likely, the situation here could get even worse depending on the results. If Raila loses, it might throw the whole country into long-term chaos. It is really only one tribe and one province behind the incumbent President Kibaki. Raila has won every other province, but one. Most of President Kibaki's main cabinet men have lost the parliamentary race in their own constituency which shows the country is not happy with the current government. 97 members of parliament have been elected from Raila's party and only 31 from Kibaki's party. The only way he can win is if he rigs the election, which he is doing in broad daylight for the whole world to see.
Getting back to my story… I planned on waiting out the chaos at the airport which is very safe. After about 4 hours, a motorcycle taxi offered to take me to Salem orphanage on the edge of town where my vehicle was parked and I have some friends (and a bed). About half-way there, I made him turn around. I couldn't believe what I saw. Thousands of people walking out of town carrying TV's, mattresses, exercise books, and anything else you could ever imagine that they had looted from the stores. Almost ever single person was carrying a big panga (machete-like weapon) and threatening others. There were big road blocks and people trying to slash our tires as we were driving. There were fires all over the city. I just saw on the news that whole city blocks were burned down and many vehicles set on fire. The town looks like it was hit by a hurricane or a tsunami.
We safely returned to the airport and I waited another 5-6 hours. In the process I was talking to many friends on the phone and following the news very closely on TV to try and make some decisions. I was asking God for direction. Since final results were postponed until Sunday, no one really knew what the future might hold. I could stay at the airport but they had run out of food because of so many people being stuck there and it was not possible to get more. Additionally, Kisumu was only going to get worse. Staying there didn't seem like the best option.
Just after dark, I put on my Orange ODM (Raila) t-shirt I had purchased at the airport and hopped back on the motorcycle taxi and was taken to Salem Orphanage. The ride was much quieter and safer this time and I was able to hide my white face behind the driver in the dark. We arrived and I was able to get inside and get a good dinner and a bed to sleep in. It wasn't a very safe place to stay though because of the Obunga slum just next door. At about 9:00 pm, the slum dwellers started yelling and screaming and running into the road. We sat on the balcony and quietly watched them, praying they wouldn't come in our direction. Their protest didn't last very long, but the random gun shots rang out through the night.
Now that I had my vehicle, I knew I needed to get out of town before it escalated even more. There were also two Americans and one British person at the orphanage that were ready to flee the country. We decided (with the input of several others) to leave at 5:00 am to bring those three to the airport (so they could fly out of Kenya) and then for me to get the heck out of town while it is still dark and quiet. When I dropped them off I found several others that had spent the night at the airport and needed to go in the direction I was going. A couple jumped in with me and we went as a caravan to get out of Kisumu about 15 km before I turned off toward the ferry. I was fortunate to have a police squad with machine guns leading me out of town. There were many man-made road blocks such as electric poles lying in the road, piles of ashes from the night before, barbed wire laying across and lots of broken glass. God protected my tires from the barbed wire and broken glass and his angels were around the whole vehicle. After turning off the main road, things were much better until we reached Acala market (where the speed bumps are). There was a huge fire spreading across the whole road and a mob of people saw my vehicle and began chasing us. I quickly turned around and left them in the dust. We quickly reorganized and found some dirt roads going through the villages and around the road block. It was quite a detour on bad roads, but we did not meet any other opposition. I made it 15 minutes early for the first ferry at 8:00 am and was back at home by 9:00 am this morning.
I have been following the news closely since getting home. The Electoral Commissioner is supposed to report the final presidential results any minute. We should know very soon. The whole country has been gathered around TV's and radios for 3 days hanging on every piece of news they get. The government has sent out riot squads in full gear to all major towns to keep everyone off the road. Things seem to be better today in most places except Mombasa and Migori. Traveling is almost impossible because of the road blocks and military clampdown.
Again, let me clarify… I am in ICIPE and very safe. I am probably safer than you are in your house/office in the U.S. I don't plan on traveling or going anywhere until this storm passes over. Hopefully it won't be too long because I don't have much food in the house and need to go shopping. I am hoping that within the next week or two, things will calm down.
Don't worry about me. I am ok now. I have really tried to make wise decisions and not put myself at any unnecessary risk. Please pray for the country. Pray for truth to prevail. Pray for God's will to be done in this country. And pray for peace.
UPDATE AS OF 7:50 AM PST Sunday December 30, 2007
The Kenyan Presidential election is over.
Just about an hour ago, incumbent President Kibaki was declared the winnner. Riots have instantaneously broke out in Kibera, Ongata Rangai, Langata, Eastlands and Kisumu. 10 people have already been killed in Kisii. Kibaki is being sworn in as I write this e-mail.
He won 4.5 million to 4.3 million votes. It was totally rigged and everyone in the world knows it. So sad that these kinds of things still happen in this day and age.
What will happen next, no one knows. The people of Kenya are not going to stand for it, but they are protesting in the wrong way and many will die. Rioting and chaos will do nothing to change the situation. I hope Raila is a wise enough man. There are other tribes that are even more angry than the Luos.
It is official now, despite many objections and irregularities and glaring proofs of corruption. The only thing the opposition can do now is:
1) appeal to the high court which is controlled by Kibaki and would most likely delay a decision five years until his term is over.
2) wait until Parliament is convened and hope they have a quorum to vote "No Confidence" in the President. Then there could be another election.
Where I stay is probably one of the safest places in Kenya right now. I feel very safe, but I have heard many gunshots fired outside my compound. I wish I could invite everyone I know to come inside my house. Please pray for our staff and families tonight!
JOe
Written by Joe Peterson
1:50 AM Pacific Time, early Sunday morning, December 30, 2007
It is going to be difficult for me to describe what has transpired the past few days, but I can tell you that the hand of God has been with me and I have seen him provide for and deliver me several times. He is a good God and He is a powerful God.
Before I start, let me tell you that I am in Mbita now at ICIPE. The gates are all locked and they are not allowing visitors in. This might be one of the safest places in the country right now. Mbita has stayed calm anyway, but you never know what can happen.
The plan I had devised for traveling and returning to Mbita in time was a very good plan. It would have worked to perfection, until Kenya Airways screwed it up. When we left Mumbai, India I was planning on not checking any bags in at the airport so I wouldn't be slowed down. The friend I was traveling with accidentally opened her mouth and asked the ticket agent if I could carry-on my bigger bag. A short debate began and I lost it. I was forced to check my one bag even though it could have easily fit in the overhead containers. It was going to be ok though because we arrived early into Nairobi at 6:10 am on Thursday (the day after elections). My flight to Kisumu was scheduled for 7:45 so I had an hour and a half. I was the first one off the plane and got through immigration very quickly. Now all I needed was my bag. So I waited… and waited… and waited. I tried to check in for my other flight, but they insisted that I wait for my bag before checking in. They also told me they could rush me in when I come. I was inquiring from Kenya Airways and was even going in the back of the baggage claim to look for it, but none of our flights bags were coming. I almost left it there (and should of), but they kept insisting it would be there soon. Finally it arrived at 7:35 am and I ran to the other terminal, but I was too late for my flight to Kisumu.
I complained to Kenya Airways and they almost got me on one of their flights that morning, but I barely missed that one too. After three hours of discussion and waiting, they were very kind to me and put me up in the Panari Hotel (very nice one) in Nairobi for the day and gave me meals there. I had a choice to fly out that night or wait until the next morning. Because I didn't want to travel at night and would have to find a hotel and meals in Kisumu, I decided to wait to fly until the next morning and enjoy a day of rest (that was my big mistake).
After a day of relaxation, our flight left early the 2nd day after election (Friday). Halfway to Kisumu the plane had to turn around and return to Nairobi because of mechanical failure. We waited for about an hour before taking off again. By the time we arrived in Kisumu it was 10:30 am and riots had already broken out across Kenya, and specifically in Kisumu.
Raila, the Luo candidate who is in the opposition, had opened up a big lead after the first day. On the morning of the 2nd day, suddenly President Kibaki dramatically surged forward into an almost dead heat with Raila. They are within 40,000 votes of one another with close to 10 millions ballots counted. Allegations of rigging the elections began flying and the whole country began riots in all major towns, especially Kisumu and Eldoret. There has definitely been some funny business with some polling stations reporting 115% voter turnout (which is impossible). Other ones have had one result from the polling station and then the numbers get inflated when they are reported by the Electoral Commission. Above all, some of these stations have really delayed, which makes you really curious why it takes over 3 days to count 50,000 votes for a single polling station. Some of the constituencies announced their parliamentary winners the day after the election, but still haven't released their presidential numbers three days later. Most likely, the situation here could get even worse depending on the results. If Raila loses, it might throw the whole country into long-term chaos. It is really only one tribe and one province behind the incumbent President Kibaki. Raila has won every other province, but one. Most of President Kibaki's main cabinet men have lost the parliamentary race in their own constituency which shows the country is not happy with the current government. 97 members of parliament have been elected from Raila's party and only 31 from Kibaki's party. The only way he can win is if he rigs the election, which he is doing in broad daylight for the whole world to see.
Getting back to my story… I planned on waiting out the chaos at the airport which is very safe. After about 4 hours, a motorcycle taxi offered to take me to Salem orphanage on the edge of town where my vehicle was parked and I have some friends (and a bed). About half-way there, I made him turn around. I couldn't believe what I saw. Thousands of people walking out of town carrying TV's, mattresses, exercise books, and anything else you could ever imagine that they had looted from the stores. Almost ever single person was carrying a big panga (machete-like weapon) and threatening others. There were big road blocks and people trying to slash our tires as we were driving. There were fires all over the city. I just saw on the news that whole city blocks were burned down and many vehicles set on fire. The town looks like it was hit by a hurricane or a tsunami.
We safely returned to the airport and I waited another 5-6 hours. In the process I was talking to many friends on the phone and following the news very closely on TV to try and make some decisions. I was asking God for direction. Since final results were postponed until Sunday, no one really knew what the future might hold. I could stay at the airport but they had run out of food because of so many people being stuck there and it was not possible to get more. Additionally, Kisumu was only going to get worse. Staying there didn't seem like the best option.
Just after dark, I put on my Orange ODM (Raila) t-shirt I had purchased at the airport and hopped back on the motorcycle taxi and was taken to Salem Orphanage. The ride was much quieter and safer this time and I was able to hide my white face behind the driver in the dark. We arrived and I was able to get inside and get a good dinner and a bed to sleep in. It wasn't a very safe place to stay though because of the Obunga slum just next door. At about 9:00 pm, the slum dwellers started yelling and screaming and running into the road. We sat on the balcony and quietly watched them, praying they wouldn't come in our direction. Their protest didn't last very long, but the random gun shots rang out through the night.
Now that I had my vehicle, I knew I needed to get out of town before it escalated even more. There were also two Americans and one British person at the orphanage that were ready to flee the country. We decided (with the input of several others) to leave at 5:00 am to bring those three to the airport (so they could fly out of Kenya) and then for me to get the heck out of town while it is still dark and quiet. When I dropped them off I found several others that had spent the night at the airport and needed to go in the direction I was going. A couple jumped in with me and we went as a caravan to get out of Kisumu about 15 km before I turned off toward the ferry. I was fortunate to have a police squad with machine guns leading me out of town. There were many man-made road blocks such as electric poles lying in the road, piles of ashes from the night before, barbed wire laying across and lots of broken glass. God protected my tires from the barbed wire and broken glass and his angels were around the whole vehicle. After turning off the main road, things were much better until we reached Acala market (where the speed bumps are). There was a huge fire spreading across the whole road and a mob of people saw my vehicle and began chasing us. I quickly turned around and left them in the dust. We quickly reorganized and found some dirt roads going through the villages and around the road block. It was quite a detour on bad roads, but we did not meet any other opposition. I made it 15 minutes early for the first ferry at 8:00 am and was back at home by 9:00 am this morning.
I have been following the news closely since getting home. The Electoral Commissioner is supposed to report the final presidential results any minute. We should know very soon. The whole country has been gathered around TV's and radios for 3 days hanging on every piece of news they get. The government has sent out riot squads in full gear to all major towns to keep everyone off the road. Things seem to be better today in most places except Mombasa and Migori. Traveling is almost impossible because of the road blocks and military clampdown.
Again, let me clarify… I am in ICIPE and very safe. I am probably safer than you are in your house/office in the U.S. I don't plan on traveling or going anywhere until this storm passes over. Hopefully it won't be too long because I don't have much food in the house and need to go shopping. I am hoping that within the next week or two, things will calm down.
Don't worry about me. I am ok now. I have really tried to make wise decisions and not put myself at any unnecessary risk. Please pray for the country. Pray for truth to prevail. Pray for God's will to be done in this country. And pray for peace.
UPDATE AS OF 7:50 AM PST Sunday December 30, 2007
The Kenyan Presidential election is over.
Just about an hour ago, incumbent President Kibaki was declared the winnner. Riots have instantaneously broke out in Kibera, Ongata Rangai, Langata, Eastlands and Kisumu. 10 people have already been killed in Kisii. Kibaki is being sworn in as I write this e-mail.
He won 4.5 million to 4.3 million votes. It was totally rigged and everyone in the world knows it. So sad that these kinds of things still happen in this day and age.
What will happen next, no one knows. The people of Kenya are not going to stand for it, but they are protesting in the wrong way and many will die. Rioting and chaos will do nothing to change the situation. I hope Raila is a wise enough man. There are other tribes that are even more angry than the Luos.
It is official now, despite many objections and irregularities and glaring proofs of corruption. The only thing the opposition can do now is:
1) appeal to the high court which is controlled by Kibaki and would most likely delay a decision five years until his term is over.
2) wait until Parliament is convened and hope they have a quorum to vote "No Confidence" in the President. Then there could be another election.
Where I stay is probably one of the safest places in Kenya right now. I feel very safe, but I have heard many gunshots fired outside my compound. I wish I could invite everyone I know to come inside my house. Please pray for our staff and families tonight!
JOe
Friday, December 28, 2007
Classic throwdown
The Demon basketball team arrived in Lubbock and immediately visited the beautiful 15,000-seat United Spirit Center to get the feel of the digs for Saturday afternoon's contest against Texas Tech.
The Demons worked out for two hours Friday morning in a gym on the Texas-Arlington campus before hitting the highway west to Lubbock. After a ride more than five hours, it was time to stretch the legs and get in some shots, but not spend too much energy 18 hours before tip.
That was left to others.
Coach Mike McConathy took the players back to the locker room for a little motivational message after about 20 minutes of shooting. It was a players and head coach only session, by design. Not that Coach Mike wanted to keep the rest of the staff outside, he just wanted to focus the team on the message he had.
Meanwhile, back on the court, a classic 3-on-3 matchup unfolded.
It was a runaway win for the "Six Million Dollar Boys" over the "Sless is Moore" threesome.
The family trio of assistant coach Bob Austin, his father Lou and Bob's younger brother Matt used superior everything to smack assistant coaches Mark Slessinger, Jeff Moore and student manager Rickey Doyle.
It was hardly full tilt basketball. It was pickup ball at its ... OK, it was a typical street clothes pickup game. And it was a blast to watch. Among the audience, Mrs. Lou (Joanne) Austin, who heckled her husband throughout.
I dubbed Team Austin as "The Six Million Dollar Boys" in tribute to their prowess and one of the best TV shows of my youth, showcasing Steve Austin, the "Six Million Dollar Man." No relation to these Colorado-based Austins, BTW. But let it be said that once Lou loosened up, he fit right in with his two sons.
"Sless is Moore," just a play on words leaving out Rickey, which is what happened on a lot of offensive possessions anyway. The rust on Slessinger and Moore was a pivotal factor. But the fun they had left us all chuckling, and it captivated the team as they returned to the court to pack up to check in at our hotel.
Hey, at least they were out there playing. Seeing as my knees have reduced my mobility to that of one of those stately oaks near the three columns on campus, I am a non-combatant in these sort of things.
On the other hand, Demon play by play man Patrick Netherton was meeting us at the hotel after traveling to West Texas with his dad, who has a hunting lease nearby. The 6-foot-4, Charles Barkley-esque (in terms of his build, not his game) Netherton was extremely disappointed he missed a chance to pound the paint, and doubtless will encourage another throwdown Sunday in Stillwater.
Life on the road ...
Doug Ireland, SID
The Demons worked out for two hours Friday morning in a gym on the Texas-Arlington campus before hitting the highway west to Lubbock. After a ride more than five hours, it was time to stretch the legs and get in some shots, but not spend too much energy 18 hours before tip.
That was left to others.
Coach Mike McConathy took the players back to the locker room for a little motivational message after about 20 minutes of shooting. It was a players and head coach only session, by design. Not that Coach Mike wanted to keep the rest of the staff outside, he just wanted to focus the team on the message he had.
Meanwhile, back on the court, a classic 3-on-3 matchup unfolded.
It was a runaway win for the "Six Million Dollar Boys" over the "Sless is Moore" threesome.
The family trio of assistant coach Bob Austin, his father Lou and Bob's younger brother Matt used superior everything to smack assistant coaches Mark Slessinger, Jeff Moore and student manager Rickey Doyle.
It was hardly full tilt basketball. It was pickup ball at its ... OK, it was a typical street clothes pickup game. And it was a blast to watch. Among the audience, Mrs. Lou (Joanne) Austin, who heckled her husband throughout.
I dubbed Team Austin as "The Six Million Dollar Boys" in tribute to their prowess and one of the best TV shows of my youth, showcasing Steve Austin, the "Six Million Dollar Man." No relation to these Colorado-based Austins, BTW. But let it be said that once Lou loosened up, he fit right in with his two sons.
"Sless is Moore," just a play on words leaving out Rickey, which is what happened on a lot of offensive possessions anyway. The rust on Slessinger and Moore was a pivotal factor. But the fun they had left us all chuckling, and it captivated the team as they returned to the court to pack up to check in at our hotel.
Hey, at least they were out there playing. Seeing as my knees have reduced my mobility to that of one of those stately oaks near the three columns on campus, I am a non-combatant in these sort of things.
On the other hand, Demon play by play man Patrick Netherton was meeting us at the hotel after traveling to West Texas with his dad, who has a hunting lease nearby. The 6-foot-4, Charles Barkley-esque (in terms of his build, not his game) Netherton was extremely disappointed he missed a chance to pound the paint, and doubtless will encourage another throwdown Sunday in Stillwater.
Life on the road ...
Doug Ireland, SID
Westward bound with the Demons
Heading west toward Lubbock on the year-ending Big XII Conference bus tour for the NSU Demons, who play Saturday afternoon at Texas Tech and Monday afternoon at Oklahoma State ...
... Movie selections are always key on bus trips. Two winners today: The Bourne Ultimatum and Rush Hour 3, entertaining in vastly different styles, except both featured some exciting chase and fight sequences always sure to appeal to a bus filled with young men. Don't expect to screen "The Notebook" with this team, but it's a good bet on the Lady Demon basketball bus. I'll leave that confirmation to Matt Bonnette, who probably doesn't get a vote on the movie choices, but with a wife and two daughters, he's used to it!
... The Demons had a fullscale workout at 9 in Prather Coliseum Thursday morning, then pulled out about 12:45 heading north. A lunch break in Shreveport was the first of two halts in The Bourne Ultimatum screening. The second came at the Tyler Junior College campus, where the team had a shootaround. Head coach Mike McConathy believes a key to shaking out of the Demons' doldrums is getting the players more shots in practice, and now's the time before classes resume mid-January. After the shootaround, we enjoyed the conclusion of the third Bourne film and debated whether there will be a fourth (consensus is, absolutely, we hope so!) before graduate manager and movie maven Patrick Self loaded Rush Hour 3 into the DVD player for the drive to Dallas ...
... The vibe on the Demon bus, except when the team is headed to the games, is relaxed, as you would expect around Coach Mike. As we got into the DFW metroplex, he pointed out a LaQuinta Hotel that was the first road home for one of his teams, in his first year at Bossier Parish Community College (1982-83). The first road game was in the metroplex, and the BPCC team didn't even have uniforms yet, having to use the Bossier High School gear to play in the game ...
... Restaurant choices are sometimes settled in advance, but when there's no plan, it sure is nice to have the new "TomTom" GPS tracker that assistant coach Mark Slessinger got for Christmas. He located a nice restaurant row near Six Flags Over Texas and senior Colby Bargeman was asked to pick the spot - he chose Steak and Shake, in between a couple of mid-range steakhouses and a Chinese buffet. Most of the group went with Colby, Coach Mike and crew, but a few braved the light drizzle and chill to explore other options ...
... Friday's schedule includes a 9:30 workout on the stage at Texas Hall on the campus of Southland Conference cousin Texas-Arlington. Ironically, UTA will be the first SLC foe for NSU on Saturday, Jan. 5 in Natchitoches.
... After cleaning up following what figures to be a 90-minute workout, the team should head to lunch in the metroplex and then west for the five hour drive to Lubbock. More tomorrow night on this year-end road trip with the Demons...
Doug Ireland, SID
... Movie selections are always key on bus trips. Two winners today: The Bourne Ultimatum and Rush Hour 3, entertaining in vastly different styles, except both featured some exciting chase and fight sequences always sure to appeal to a bus filled with young men. Don't expect to screen "The Notebook" with this team, but it's a good bet on the Lady Demon basketball bus. I'll leave that confirmation to Matt Bonnette, who probably doesn't get a vote on the movie choices, but with a wife and two daughters, he's used to it!
... The Demons had a fullscale workout at 9 in Prather Coliseum Thursday morning, then pulled out about 12:45 heading north. A lunch break in Shreveport was the first of two halts in The Bourne Ultimatum screening. The second came at the Tyler Junior College campus, where the team had a shootaround. Head coach Mike McConathy believes a key to shaking out of the Demons' doldrums is getting the players more shots in practice, and now's the time before classes resume mid-January. After the shootaround, we enjoyed the conclusion of the third Bourne film and debated whether there will be a fourth (consensus is, absolutely, we hope so!) before graduate manager and movie maven Patrick Self loaded Rush Hour 3 into the DVD player for the drive to Dallas ...
... The vibe on the Demon bus, except when the team is headed to the games, is relaxed, as you would expect around Coach Mike. As we got into the DFW metroplex, he pointed out a LaQuinta Hotel that was the first road home for one of his teams, in his first year at Bossier Parish Community College (1982-83). The first road game was in the metroplex, and the BPCC team didn't even have uniforms yet, having to use the Bossier High School gear to play in the game ...
... Restaurant choices are sometimes settled in advance, but when there's no plan, it sure is nice to have the new "TomTom" GPS tracker that assistant coach Mark Slessinger got for Christmas. He located a nice restaurant row near Six Flags Over Texas and senior Colby Bargeman was asked to pick the spot - he chose Steak and Shake, in between a couple of mid-range steakhouses and a Chinese buffet. Most of the group went with Colby, Coach Mike and crew, but a few braved the light drizzle and chill to explore other options ...
... Friday's schedule includes a 9:30 workout on the stage at Texas Hall on the campus of Southland Conference cousin Texas-Arlington. Ironically, UTA will be the first SLC foe for NSU on Saturday, Jan. 5 in Natchitoches.
... After cleaning up following what figures to be a 90-minute workout, the team should head to lunch in the metroplex and then west for the five hour drive to Lubbock. More tomorrow night on this year-end road trip with the Demons...
Doug Ireland, SID
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