CONCERNS that Kenya could be facing its greatest political crisis since independence may be realised, according to a local aid worker. Spencer Gelsthorpe initially thought the ethnically motivated bloodshed that took place following the controversial re-election of Mwai Kibake would be over quickly, despite concerns from political commentators.
But following Tuesday’s attack on a church in which more than 30 people were killed and after continued correspondence with friends and colleagues in the country, Mr Gelsthorpe is concerned the trouble could escalate into a tragedy reminiscent of the genocide in Rwanda.
‘In Kenya, tribal violence can be turned on just as easily as turning on a light switch.
‘There are clashes between the tribes all the time. As soon as someone wants to take the focus away from a scandal - such as vote-rigging for example - the tribes start up again,’ said Mr Gelsthorpe, who has worked in the country for more than 15 years with the Project Rhino Charitable Trust.
‘But I think it has got more serious than that - things have changed and it’s getting scary.’
There is little doubt in Mr Gelsthorpe’s mind that the recent presidential election was rigged in favour of Mr Kibaki, who was sworn in for a second five-year term after it was announced he had beaten opponent Raila Odinga to the top job by more than 230,000 votes.
Soon after the official result was declared, thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets across the country in protest.
At least 200 people have been killed in the unrest between the Luo tribe - supporters of Mr Odinga - and Mr Kibaki’s Kikuyu.
Mr Gelsthorpe left Kenya three weeks ago and said that he could see things were becoming heated at that time. In one incident he had to abandon his vehicle to let 1,000 protesters march past. One of them then beat him about the head. He said that it was common practice for those with an agenda to pay people to protest.
From what he understands, many Kenyans are currently too scared to leave their house due to the unrest and some are even under instruction by the police not to do so.
This has left them without access to food and, in some cases, water.
Despite the allegations of vote-rigging, Mr Gelsthorpe said that Mr Kibaki had proved himself a relatively stable leader who had a lot of support within his country.
‘He has been a pretty transparent, moderate, leader and comes across as a trusting guy.
‘Odinga scared a lot of people with his policies, such as wanting to relocate all tribe members back to the land they came from.’
Despite his concerns about Mr Odinga, Mr Gelsthorpe is backing the UK Government’s calls for Mr Kibake to form a coalition.
He said that would be essential in bringing an end to the violence.
Alternatively, he added, Mr Kibaki should organise a fresh vote.
‘Anything to calm people down - Africans can be quite volatile.
‘There’s a lot of deep-rooted hatred and a thirst for revenge.
‘It’s only when something like this happens that you realise how serious it is. You see civil servants, teachers and other professionals transform into killers.’
Mr Gelsthorpe is hoping to return to Kenya in late January, providing it is safe enough to do so.?
Article posted on 3rd January, 2008 - 12.00am
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