2008 brings tragedy to Kenya

My last post on here was just one day before the Kenyan election and at that time I am sure no one would have predicted the violence and social uproar that have succeeded them. This is a scary time for Africa, as one of its most stable countries remains embroiled in post-election violence and spreading ethnic tensions which have seen over 700 people killed in less than a month. The violence started after it was claimed that Mr Kibaki had rigged the results of the Kenyan election, with opposition leader Odinga demanding another election be held.

It brings you to tears to read stories of the atrocities that have occurred in Kenya over the past few weeks. The first, and the most poignant sign of things to come was when 30 people were burnt alive, 13 children among them, after a mob attack in which a church was burnt to the ground in the Eldoret region. The targeting of the attacks is what has sparked the greatest fears, as the tensions have transformed into ethnic violence targetting President Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe. With memories of Rwanda still painfully fresh in people's minds and the ongoing atrocities occurring in Darfur, the most frightening aspect of this violence is the tribal split that it has caused, with not only Kikuyu tribe members fearing for their lives, but others who voted for Mr Kibaki seeking safety from targeting as well. The outpouring of anger and violence has resulted in machete and bow and arrow attacks, mostly believed to be from Mr Odinga's Luo tribe, as citizens of this impoverished country continue to lash out against one another.

Another 250,000 people have been displaced from their homes fleeing from the violence, many of whom have lost everything. In Kibera, Kikuyu market stalls were destroyed with the Luo tribes erecting their own stalls on their plots. People are losing everything - their livelihood, their possessions, their loved ones and their hope. In a country which had actually seen positive development, stable government and the building of a vibrant tourist industry, this is a tragic step backwards.

An important issue finally being brought to the forefront is the impact upon women specifically from this type of violence. Staff in the Nairobi Women's Hospital have reported double the number of cases of rape and defilement since January, most under 18 and the youngest of the cases seen was a 2 year old baby girl. Most of these are gang rapes by armed men. Within conflict, women are nearly always targeted as revenge attacks are committed on those weakest to defend themselves. Wars are fought over women's bodies, with their rape seen as a poignant symbol of revenge and many of the women contracting HIV as a result. Many women are too scared to seek help after these attacks and so will often fail to receive vital medication that could prevent the onset of such deadly diseases. Many people believe the problems remain so severe due to a lack of fear amongst attackers that they will ever be punished for these crimes, particularly in a climate of general lawlessness and unrest.

We must not turn away from Kenya at this time. Kofi Annan has visited the country this week to try and schedule negotiations and the donor community are trying hard to persuade Mr Kibaki to get talks underway with the threat of withholding much-needed budget aid. We must not forget that what happens in Africa affects us too, and have compassion for those who have lost their homes, the people they love and, something which we too often take for granted, their personal security. The world turned its gaze away from Rwanda, as it has with Darfur. The turmoil is Kenya can be turned around, but we must not change the TV Channel or flick to the next page of the newspaper or yet another one of Africa's beautiful countries could find itself on a path to human destruction.

You can donate to the British Red Cross Kenya Crisis Fund here:

http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=76439&entrypoint=31872_googleADken1