Kenya burns as Presidential elections are contested

[thatcrazycajun]

Jackson, NJ, 4:39p: As the year 2007 closes, this report by CNN and this one from BBC News tell of the chaos that has erupted in Kenya due to the disputed results of the election between incumbent President Mwai Kibaki and his opponent, opposition leader Raila Odinga. I am thankful the Songbird is here in the States and safe as I read and hear of deaths, fires and looting all over Nairobi and Kisumu, including the slum of Kibera in Nairobi.

Coupled with the reports from Pakistan following the Bhutto assassination of days ago, it looks as if the year will go out the same way it came in: in blood, fire and tragedy. And she has to go back to work there in just four days. Happy frickin' New Year.

UPDATE, Colts Neck, NJ, 1/1/08, 2:25p: CDC Nairobi has instructed the Songbird and all other employees to return to work on time next week. Stay tuned for further updates.

Comments

[technoshaman.livejournal.com]

Do her terms of employment require presence in a war zone? Frankly, if I was her, I'd be writing a "no way in hell, sir" note and brushing up my resume... Kenya's a nice enough place in and of itself but nobody ought to *have* to go where they're shooting at you (unless you're willing and able to shoot back, anyway...)

You two take care, and do what you have to to stay as far from flying lead (that doesn't belong to you) as possible.

[kitanzi.livejournal.com]

Is there any chance they might delay that, due to the circumstances in the area?

[thatcrazycajun.livejournal.com]

It is entirely possible, she tells me, that she may return only to be officially evacuated with other US personnel. And in any case, she may need to stay a few extra days in Atlanta for emergency dental work, so she is planning to inquire into the possibility of changing her return date when we get back to Atlanta.

[crowatdusk.livejournal.com]

Hi Matt....I've been wondering about whether Mary would or even could return to her house in Nairobi....and the danger in doing so!! I've been soaking up the news, relating it to the picture she painted of the area when she first moved their - the slums and all. As I remember they weren't far from her workplace, or her home - ? I also have wondered if the cats are in the middle of it all too.

We went to the memorial service for our friend saturday and I had Cal check his cell phone for messages in case you called. I only half expected to hear from you, what with your hectic schedule and there's only so much visiting one can do in a short visit all the way from Africa. Cal and I ended up going to the Ritz to see the movie Atonement. I liked it - he thought the war scenes were too contrived. Have you seen it?

Stay warm - keep her in Atlanta :-)