Six months ago this week, the knives came out in Kenya.
So too did machetes, swords, clubs and many other makeshift weapons as a low-budget civil conflict gripped the country.
The blood-letting followed a disputed general election result and left 1,500 people dead and 600,000 others homeless.
Tearfund’s relief response centred on the town of Narok, west of Nairobi, where thousands of families had been forced to flee their homes as conflict erupted on tribal lines.
Through our church-linked partner, the Narok Integrated Development Programme (NIDP), Tearfund provided immediate essentials such as blankets, cooking utensils and anti-malaria nets for internally displaced persons (IDPs) seeking sanctuary in specially set-up government camps.
Burnt down
John Maina Kimemia, 65, is among those who are being helped by NIDP.
He’s rebuilding his life after having his house burnt down in the explosion of post-election violence when he lost all his possessions, bar two frying pans.
NIDP has given him food, water, shelter, mattresses, blankets, malaria nets and other essentials.
But exemplifying the feelings of many displaced Kenyans, John has no desire to return home and live among his attackers.
Ultimately the long-term stability of Kenyan reconciliation could depend on efforts to persuade people to return home.
Go and see
That’s why the UN is organising `go and see’ visits for displaced people to assess security and livelihood possibilities in their home towns and villages to see if a permanent return is possible.
Catherine Mwangi, programme manager for NIDP, said, `The grand coalition government is working to restore the situation and we are hopeful that the displaced people will be resettled soon back into their farms.’
From a high of more than a thousand inhabitants, the Narok IDP camp now has 575 people.
Catherine added, `The needs are still overwhelming as the supplies are not enough including water and food. Nevertheless we are looking forward to a permanent solution. Please continue praying for our country.’
• Please pray for lasting reconciliation and peace in Kenya.
• Pray that the unity government governs for all the people.
• Pray for the work of Tearfund partners and the church in helping those who were displaced by the violence. Pray for an easing of ethnic tensions so people can return to their home areas.