Kenyan photographer

How are things here? There is violence still in Rift Valley and

Kisumu. Mombasa is much better now. The problem as been tribalism

has sipped in to Nairobi . Last week there was tension near Ngong

hills as communities armed themselves in fear that they would be

attacked. My parents live in Ngong. Most Kenyans are just tired of

all thats going on. Personally I have decided to pray more and to

trust in God. The situation seems so hopeless without God in the

picture. I have stopped being so angry at our leaders and decided to

be the change I want. To be more tolerant of other people and to pray

and trust God.

Our church leaders seem to have stepped up. They have been vocal

about issues of peace and justice. They have even called for people

who were involved in acts of violence to repent. I think most people

are beginning to listen to the church. I believe it the Christians

who will eventually make the biggest difference.

In my work in Kibera I have seen so much suffering. Whether it's the

Kikuyus or Luos. I have seen a 13 year old girl shot dead by the

police. I have taken pictures that have remained etched in my mind.

I have also gotten to understand a little about the complexity of the

situation. There is so much injustice and poverty in Kenya that the

poor feel very hopeless. They don't have any hope in the leaders who

rule us. They have no hope for tomorrow. When someone doesn't have

hope then they have nothing to lose. When you are extremely poor then

you have nothing to lose and fear nothing. That is one of the

problems with Kenya.

At times I guess things get so dark before the light shines through. I

believe that our friends in Chapel Hill are praying with us. I know

that God hasn't forgotten us and he will come through for Kenya.