Determined

If you had to stand in a queue (line) for six hours at the minimum to vote – Would you?

A picture of the queue on the front page of the Nation newspaper.
 Kenyans waiting to vote in Kenya's Presidential election

The minimum wait time to vote in the presidential elections in Kenya was six hours – in some areas people stood in the queue for eight to ten hours.  The polls were to close at 5 p.m.; however in an effort to be fair and peaceful the polls stayed open until the last voter, who was in the queue at 5:00 p.m., voted – it was 11:15 p.m. when the last polling station closed.  In a world where voter turnout is low when it rains or is too cold --- Kenyans stand out -- determined to exercise their opportunity to elect their government leaders.

God has been at work in the hearts of Kenyans.  A heavy emphasis was placed on a peaceful election and for the most part, we have experienced just that.  The results are trickling in – emphasis is also on transparency and the security of the ballots; which will help to promote peace as the results are announced.  Because many polling stations are located in remote areas, this process is painfully slow – all eyes are on the television and all ears on the radio.

This is just a short update – things are peaceful thus far.  God is working His will and His way – We glorify Him as He works in the hearts of Kenyans.
Thank you for praying.
Please continue to  pray that peace will reign as the final tally is announced.

...and so it begins

Waking up to dogs barking -- the clock reads 5:15 a.m. – it is beginning --voting day.
 In the darkness, people can be heard talking in hushed tones as they walk in groups to the polling stations hoping that if they arrive early they won’t have to stand in the hot sun all day.
A Kenyan friend is among a group who arrives at the polling station at 5:30 a.m.  Even at that early hour a queue (line) has already formed and he joins at the end of it for the wait.

There are millions of Kenyans who will vote today, over a million in Nairobi alone.  The newspaper describes the security which will be out; over 99,000 officers garnered from police, forestry, national parks, prisons, and the youth league will be milling around, stationed at polling areas, to ensure no violence breaks out today.

The voting process is quite arduous. A list of exactly what to expect and the process one must go through to vote was printed in the newspaper.

There are seven steps:

1.  Voters queue outside polling stations (Voting begins at 6 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.).

2.  Inside the voting room an official verifies your identity using your identification documents.

3.  A second official inspects your fingers to make sure there are no ink marks (ensuring you only vote once).

4.  A third official takes your identification documents, finds your name on the voter role, loudly calls out your name and cancels you out on the voter role.

The identification mark -- I have voted!
I guess this means no nail polish today!

5.  A fourth official detaches a ballot from the ballot book, stamps the ballot on both sides with an official IEBC (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) stamp, and gives you the ballot.

6.  Taking the ballot, you vote – it didn't say if there would be a curtained area in which to vote.  There might possibly be just a single table sitting off from everyone where a voter can fill out the ballot.

7.  After inserting the completed ballot in the box, the last official marks the fingernail of your smallest finger on your left hand with indelible ink.  You collect your identification documents and are encouraged to return home and wait for the results.

Our friend returned at 11:00 a.m. saying many were complaining.  “The queue is too long (going for miles) and it is moving very slowly.  Some will not get to vote, they cannot reach the room before it closes,” he commented.

The newspaper said results could be expected within 48 hours of the close of voting; meaning by Wednesday evening the results will be announced.  Continue to pray. . . We have already heard a report of four policemen killed in Mombasa today.
This whole week will be one of tension.
Pray for calm hearts, peaceful thoughts and a desire for unity no matter what the outcome.

Praying for Peace

It is happening in churches all around Kenya – the prayer for peace.

Monday, March 4 is the day Kenyan voters will walk to the voting station and cast their ballot for a new president.  As long-term visitors in this country, we have no opinion about who should win – we are praying for a peaceful process and a peaceful result.  Pray for peace.

Finding safety. Refugees fled violence to a Nairobi church.
(January 2008)

The last presidential election held in December, 2007 resulted in horrific acts of violence pitting tribe against tribe, tearing apart families and destroying lives; the consequences of which continue to be seen and felt today.
Pray for peace.




Folks have commented to us about the process of electing a U.S. president marveling that the losing party/group does not seek retribution through violence for the loss.  In many parts of Africa politics is so intertwined with tribe/people group – the perceived power and wealth that is associated with political positions – the process is often marred with violence.
Pray for peace.

Helping unload donated goods for refugees fleeing
 post-election violence. (February, 2008)

The post-election violence of 2007-2008, a time of terrible upheaval which sent the country reeling, in disaster mode, for more than six months afterward saw the church lead out in relief efforts.  Today we see the church praying.
Pray for peace.





Unscrupulous individuals take advantage of these uncertain times to ramp up violence -- to loot and destroy their only agenda.  Accusations of bribery and paying for votes are already flying. The atmosphere is tense --intimidation is likely.
Pray for peace.

Life as a refugee -- eating what you can find
when you find it. (January, 2008)

We received this message forwarded from a colleague here in Nairobi:

    Just saw this verse and thought of you and your Colleagues in Nairobi:
1 Peter 3:14-15 "But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed.  AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you, yet with gentleness and reverence;"  
   Will be Praying that God will remove the fear from your associates and help them to function in the face of danger.  God's Word has so many verses saying "Do Not Fear"!  "Be Strong and Courageous".

A good word; people around the world are considering these elections.
Pray for hearts to be free from fear.
Pray for peace.