Benya: Kenya Elections

Voting at Diani Beach

Hello everyone in America! As you wake up this morning it will be around 3:00 or 4:00pm here in Kenya after a long day of voting on Kenya's Election Day. Many Kenyan citizens have waited in line for 3-4 hours in order to cast their vote for the 4th President of the Republic of Kenya.

A little background:
Many of you may know about what happened in the last election in 2007. There was uncertainty about the results between the current President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga. Kibaki comes from the Kikuyu tribe. Odinga from the Luo tribe. The people of their respective tribes are typically so loyal to their leaders, that immediate racial anger erupted between these two tribes resulting in thousands of people being displaced from their homes (of which many are still in camps of I.D.P's - Internally Displaced Persons - to this day!). 1,200 people died in 2007. A mediator came in, Kofi Annan, to negotiate between Odinga and Kibaki resulting in a coalition government making Odinga the Prime Minister and Kibaki continuing as President.

Today's Election:
President Kibaki has finished his second term therefore he is unable to run again for president. This time there are 8 people on the ballot. One of these will be the 4th President. Though we believe God is in control and can put into power whomever He chooses, many of the polls have placed Raila Odinga in direct competition with Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Kenya's first president, Jomo Kenyatta.

Funny thing is that Uhuru Kenyatta and his running mate William Ruto are BOTH on trial at the International Criminal Court for inciting the people towards violence in 2007. Now, of course to clarify. It is good to say that they are not proven guilty of these crimes. However, it is clear that Kenyatta is surrounded by controversy because of this point. Also, a thing to note: Kenyatta is Kikuyu, Odinga is still Luo. Same tribes which conflicted last time.

Is this a recipe for disaster? We don't think so. People are extremely optimistic, including my own Field Director, Dennis Omondi. Just for precautions, I'm spending the night at his place tonight in order to see the results of the elections come in and watch the news as we anticipate peace (but also be prepared for anything).

You might see in the news some sensationalist headlines such as, "Mombasa death toll rises..." In fact, I will post any article I have found so far. Please don't read the news and come to conclusions about the severity of the situation or our team's safety. It's going to be a pretty calm and peaceful Monday. Playing FIFA 13 (soccer) on Playstation (Dennis has won once, and so have I!), going swimming at a friend's house, and eating together.

We will let you know through facebook, twitter, or this website if there is anything important to share or we need specific or urgent prayers.

Otherwise, please join us in prayer for PEACE over the next few days.

See the articles below:
BBC
Reuters
SERVE Kenya Website