Holistic ICT for EcoLiving

01.08.08 | Kisumu Kenya: OVF Kenya Director Kennedy Odhiambo reports that he is safe though things are very tense in Kenya since they went to presidential election which he reports that “everybody has declared flawed apart from the Ruling party.” He says that this situation is probably the most stressful situation in Kenya since independence and of course this is probably the first real free and contested election in Kenya’s history as well.

Much diplomacy is being attempted to prevent what some feel is a possible risk of Kenya sliding into civil war. Ghanaian President Kuffuor and Assistant Secretary of States for African Affairs travelled to Kenya to oversee the mediation. Things really came to a head after the election. Kennedy reports that his countryfolk “are currently going through a hard time but I am hopeful that we will overcome it.”

Below is Kennedy’s report:

Kennedy reports that OVF Kenya’s Office which was just established in Kisumu burned to the ground. The office was just opened two months ago after long period of resource mobilization to implement youth empowerment programs such as sports, computer training and alternative livelihood (life-skill development). The post election Violence in Kenya and Kisumu in particular has taken us back to zero.

OVF lost all office furniture, three computers, a laptop, stationeries and other valuable accessories. Most of the items were from personal donations from members and well-wishers who were interested in the program. The lost of items is a big setback because these were the only and first assets for the organizations. OVF Kenya had planned to start community computer training for identified youth as part of community development.

Like in most parts of the country, it started in Kisumu City as just a small protest of the fact that the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) took unusual long period to announce and declare the winner of 2007 presidential election. The anxiety of producing the country’s fourth president turned into tears, destruction and death following the disputed presidential election.

In the most violent protest in Kenya’s history that started on 29th December 2007, people looted shops, burnt government and private buildings and vehicles, leaving the provincial (State) capital, Kisumu on its knees. Kisumu which is also popularly known as Kenya’s Bombay, due to its high population of Asians was literally destroyed. The Central Business District lay flat, with investments worth billions of shillings either looted, smashed or burnt.

The worst part of it is that many members of the Asian community, whose businesses were destroyed, have left the country and it is doubtful whether they will come back. The Kisumu economy is literally driven by the Asian community and their departure to Uganda, Tanzania, India and Europe spells doom. Already business analysts say it will take up to 20 years to rebuild the town that was just recovering from an industrial slump.

For five days Kisumu City was a battleground between civilian protesters and military police. People were starving in their houses, because nothing was going on apart from gunshots. When guns temporary fell silent on 5th January 2008, more than 200 people had been killed across the province alone as police broke up the riots. The Provincial Hospital mortuary was overflowing with bodies piling. In general, the post-election has plunged Kisumu into a instant humanitarian crisis zone.

On the other side, thousands of people purported to have supported the president have fled their houses for fear of attacks. Many are camping at police stations without food and water. The town has ran out of food as shops that survived looting remained closed for fear of fresh attacks. From loss of lives, serious injuries to wanton looting and destruction of property, the town is no longer the same.

The town had been relatively calm (but tense), until late yesterday 7th January 2008, when riots occurred in most parts of the province and particularly in Kisumu City after the president announced the appointment of half of his cabinet Ministers. Roads to Kisumu were quickly barricaded by angry youth as they battle with security forces. Pockets of smoke, billowing from burnt vehicles and buildings have replaced the breeze from Lake Victoria.

The impact of post-election violence in Kisumu will be felt for many years to come. The businesses that provided employment opportunities have gone into flames, rendering thousands of people jobless; many children have been left orphans, while the wanton destruction of infrastructure left the economy ravaged. Young people who have lost their livelihood are likely to turn to criminal activities, while the level of poverty among the community around the lakeside town will most likely grow.

REMEDIES

There are various short-term intervention mechanisms put up by the government and non-Governmental organizations operating in the region. However, there is a need to secure long term intervention as soon as possible. It is imperative that a number of initiatives be introduced to help victims of violence not only to recover psychologically, but also reduce vulnerability particularly young children and youth from joining criminal grouping.

1. OVF Kenya proposes an elaborate program on guidance and counseling to help in the healing process for victims.
2. Establishment of a centre to support youth activities such as sporting and life skill development.
3. Establishment of community information centre where people can access information and exchange ideas. Most such places in Kisumu have been burnt down.