Unrest in Kenya

Here is an email I received from David & Beckie Smith, missionaries in Africa that are currently in the middle of the recent political violence in Kenya.


Dear Family and Friends,


You may have seen or read recent reports in the news of the tragic events that have followed elections on December 27th in Kenya. The top two contenders for President have come to a political standoff with the support of their political parties. President Kibaki had himself sworn back into power while the Honorable Odinga claimed a rigged election and is threatening to instate himself as the Peoples President. There is much clouding the whole affair and efforts are being made by the international community to find an equitable solution with which both parties can agree.

This has caused violent clashes and left more than 300 people dead, the most horrific being the death of over 40 villagers, near the town of Eldoret (a town 185 miles from Nairobi), who fled to a Kenya Assemblies of God church in an attempt to escape vigilante gangs roaming the streets. The church was torched as they were seeking shelter. Those who died were mainly women and children. Over 70,000 have been driven from their homes since this past weekend.

During our 32 years of serving in Kenya, we have experienced unrest and turmoil from time to time in various cities or areas of this nation, but never have we seen this beloved land gripped nationwide in such ongoing ethnic violence. We believe God has strategically placed Kenya to be a powerful light to the nations in central, east, and southern Africa and the enemy has greatly risen up to diminish that light.


Due to the unrest and insecurity in the city of Nairobi, our congregation was unable to gather last Sunday (Dec. 30th). However, we have been reaching out and ministering to our congregation through the leadership base in our cell group structure, which is once again proving a vital way to care for the needs of those affected by this difficult situation.

As a family, we are safe and we want to thank so many of you who have been in touch with us either by phone or email. It means so much to hear from you and we are deeply grateful. Several have enquired as to what they can do and our greatest need is prayer. We are asking God to have mercy on our land, to turn the tide of evil that has flooded this nation through hatred and tribalism. This coming Monday we begin our annual season of prayer and fasting, as a congregation, and will focus our hearts together in crying out for God to heal our land and bring revival to us as a result. Here are a few Prayer Points in which you can join with us in agreement;


· A ‘Million Man March’ has been reorganized by ODM, the main opposition party, for Tuesday, January 8th in Nairobi. It was to be held today (3rd) and even though declared illegal by the government, thousands tried to turn up and were dispersed by riot police, thus its been postponed now for Tuesday. Pray for divine intervention.

· Pray against the spirit of tribalism that is holding this nation hostage and is being fought out among the nations’ poor and young unemployed.


· Pray for the thousands of displaced peoples who are fleeing to churches, schools, and police stations.

· Pray for the spirit of humility to come to our political leaders; that they will heed both the local and international pleas to reach out one to another in dialogue.


· Pray for justice and truth to prevail in Kenya during this critical season of establishing a new government for the next 5 years.

· Pray for the restoration of daily life, which has put the transport of even the basics such as vegetables, bread, and milk out of reach for many of the common folk, especially in the cities.


· Pray for our economy that has been losing about 2 billion shillings a day (apprx $31 million), for banks to return to normal work.

Again, thank you for standing with us in these most trying of times and we assure you that we feel so privileged to serve alongside our precious Kenyan brothers and sisters. We say Jesus is Lord of this nation and our greatest days are yet ahead!