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Open Doors Calls for Prayers in Kenyan Crisis SANTA ANA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2008) – Kenya is still wrapped in a terrible crisis. Official records indicate that more than 600 people have been killed, but according to reliable sources on the ground, more than 1500 people have died as a result of the crisis. More than 250,000 people are currently taking refuge in schools, internally displaced people (IDP) camps and police stations after being displaced from their homes.
The two main political parties in the country, namely ODM (Orange Democratic Movement) and PNU (Party of National Unity) each claim that their Presidential candidate won the election held on December 27. On December 30 Mwai Kibaki of the ruling PNU party was hurriedly sworn in as president after beating Raila Odinga of the ODM. International election observers detected and reported some irregularities and anomalies in the tallying process. The PNU has adamantly insisted that they won the election fairly; while ODM is of the opinion that the PNU rigged the election. Certain observers claimed that the election between these two candidates was too close to call.
As the PNU candidate was announced to be the winner, the ODM refuted the results and called on their supporters to reject the new president. From December 31, a wave of violence was ignited in some parts of the country.
The politically inspired post-election violence focuses on the two main tribes in Kenya, namely the Kikuyu and the Luo. The Kikuyu are seen as PNU supporters, while the Luo are seen as supporters of the ODM. As a result, all Kikuyu’s were forcefully evicted from ODM regions and the same goes for Luos found in Kikuyu or PNU dominated regions. This brought about a lot of killings and displacements.
However, ethnicity is not the main cause of the conflict. The Kenyan society is quite free and liberal, with many inter tribal marriages. The alleged cause of the problem is the unequal distribution of wealth among the many regions and communities. ODM won the hearts of many Kenyans because of their promises of equitable distribution of wealth and economic empowerment for all Kenyans. Consequently, when their party leader was declared defeated, many of the supporters, mainly those who are poor and jobless, took up arms as they had nothing more to lose.
The church has also been affected by the intertribal violence, especially in the poorer ODM regions mentioned above. Many church buildings were destroyed and numerous pastors from opposition tribes fled in fear of their lives. In certain areas, Christians have reportedly been refused to go to church if they were seen as PNU supporters.
The church in Kenya is playing a key role in restoring peace. The church has united and organized a series of prayer meetings for peace and is actively involved in the mediation processes between politicians and government officials. The church has reportedly also donated tons of food and relief items to the displaced people in various areas.
The stalemate continues on national level as both political parties hold their positions. The church realized that only God can save the situation, therefore, Open Doors is networking with churches and other organizations in praying for the hurting and displaced church in Kenya.
So far Open Doors’ work has not been affected by the violence. The ministry consists of offering theological leadership training courses, discipleship training, distribution of Bibles, family ministry seminars, cross-cultural seminars and socio-economic projects.
Open Doors is calling for prayer for Kenya during these chaotic times.
Prayer Requests: - Please pray for peace and stability to return to Kenya.
- Kenya has a very strong Christian church. Pray that Christians will be an example to their neighbors and be an agent of peace and hope during these uncertain days.
- Pray for the safety of Open Doors’ staff in the country.
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