Despite what the world might have expected... I have to say.. Kenya may be alright. Okay it is too soon for anyone to say regarding the elections, but for many life has already moved on. On Monday, the unity that was displayed through the land seemed to overwhelm and even surprise everyday citizens. I kept hearing conversations about the kindness of people towards one another. Kenyans of every clan and even ethnic background were sharing the voting lines quite peacefully despite tribes and political affiliation.
In one incident, a black Kenyan man (for lack of stronger explanation) became very moved by the fact that he (along with everyone) had been waiting in line for several hours. He began making noise at one of the election officials, saying... "Why can't you hurry this along?"
An Indian-Kenyan man then said, "Hey, we have all been here since 6 AM, and this official, I'm sure, had to get here before us. He probably hasn't even eaten." The Indian-Kenyan man quickly regretted opening his mouth out of fear of unwanted chaos and retaliation. But then people in the line began to agree with him, almost in unison, shouting, "Yeah, leave the man alone. It's not his fault we have to wait in line. Leave the man alone." The crowd quickly regained composure as the black Kenyan man backed off. And everyone continued to vote in peace.
The lines were extremely long and I mean by miles. I wish I could say that I saw this with my own eyes.. but... yeah, I did not even leave the house.
I did however have a long discussion on Wednesday with Rose, who cleans our house about how happy she was to have voted on election day. As we watched the news and waited for the results.. which by they way never came... I picked up a few Kiswahili words.
Its been four days since the country declared it's voice and ... still no results. The people are getting anxious.. in a happy and excited way. It could legally take up to seven days.. to count up the results. But I believe everyone will continue to wait patiently. The World is watching Kenya. But soon enough Kenya will be watching the world... Okay, I have to stop watching Al Jazeera.
...will it be Odinga, current Prime Minister... or Kenyatta, son of the nation's first president, and who, I must add is... well.. charged with crimes against humanity for his role in the 2007-2008 post election violence. We are talking about the Hague here. ICC (International Criminal Court). That is quite scary... though I must say, for whatever reason Odinga, who also ran for president against Mwai Kibaki in that election is suspected for similar crimes... only doesn't face any charges... who knows.
From what I can say, lines were long... (in the grocery store prior to elections) and on the day of. And though the election technology is something out of an elementary school ballot box... I am sure people were quite excited to get their colorful ballots in to decide where this country... the wealthiest in East Africa.. is headed.
I'm your girl, Tonja Khabir. Join us for the next news cycle. You're watching T-W-O.. live.
Til next time!
Kwa heri!
In one incident, a black Kenyan man (for lack of stronger explanation) became very moved by the fact that he (along with everyone) had been waiting in line for several hours. He began making noise at one of the election officials, saying... "Why can't you hurry this along?"
An Indian-Kenyan man then said, "Hey, we have all been here since 6 AM, and this official, I'm sure, had to get here before us. He probably hasn't even eaten." The Indian-Kenyan man quickly regretted opening his mouth out of fear of unwanted chaos and retaliation. But then people in the line began to agree with him, almost in unison, shouting, "Yeah, leave the man alone. It's not his fault we have to wait in line. Leave the man alone." The crowd quickly regained composure as the black Kenyan man backed off. And everyone continued to vote in peace.
The lines were extremely long and I mean by miles. I wish I could say that I saw this with my own eyes.. but... yeah, I did not even leave the house.
I did however have a long discussion on Wednesday with Rose, who cleans our house about how happy she was to have voted on election day. As we watched the news and waited for the results.. which by they way never came... I picked up a few Kiswahili words.
Its been four days since the country declared it's voice and ... still no results. The people are getting anxious.. in a happy and excited way. It could legally take up to seven days.. to count up the results. But I believe everyone will continue to wait patiently. The World is watching Kenya. But soon enough Kenya will be watching the world... Okay, I have to stop watching Al Jazeera.
...will it be Odinga, current Prime Minister... or Kenyatta, son of the nation's first president, and who, I must add is... well.. charged with crimes against humanity for his role in the 2007-2008 post election violence. We are talking about the Hague here. ICC (International Criminal Court). That is quite scary... though I must say, for whatever reason Odinga, who also ran for president against Mwai Kibaki in that election is suspected for similar crimes... only doesn't face any charges... who knows.
From what I can say, lines were long... (in the grocery store prior to elections) and on the day of. And though the election technology is something out of an elementary school ballot box... I am sure people were quite excited to get their colorful ballots in to decide where this country... the wealthiest in East Africa.. is headed.
I'm your girl, Tonja Khabir. Join us for the next news cycle. You're watching T-W-O.. live.
Til next time!
Kwa heri!
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