Keep Praying for Kenya

Chaos (on a smaller scale) has resurfaced in Kenya in the past week. Thanks be to God that it has already begun to subside! Rather than the massive post-election violence, there has been an uprising of the pseudo-religious/political sect called Mungiki, Kikuyu for "a united people." They are a dangerous criminal organization which has had government ties in the past. Basically, they are an extremist group who is anti-Westernization and modernization, and anti-Christianity. Their beliefs are extreme, radical, even grotesque. They take their oath with a communion-type act partaking of human blood and roasted flesh, and are then baptised into this "religion." Yes, I've actually seen the footage of their initiation ceremony. Very disturbing.

Last week, Mungiki went on a rampage creating havoc around Nairobi and Central Kenya. The short version is that they were reacting to the death (possible murder) of the wife of their leader. They began hijacking trucks, busses and matatus (public transport vans) and barricading roads. Several were killed at planned attacks that were coincided across the area in early morning.

At the time of the initial attack, my language teacher, Hellen, was unaware of what was going on, but was confused by the lack of public transportation on the roads and was hearing shots along the way to my house. (NOT close to my house!!!! Just as she was leaving hers.) The following days, she was unable to come to for lessons because Mungiki presence was so heavy.

One afternoon, while working in the office downtown, I received a text message saying, "Police alert - leave town immediately." ("Town," meaning downtown.) I was perfectly fine and made it home safely. It was a precautionary act based on bogus threats from Mungiki.

The following day, we walked out of the office to go to lunch to find a mass of people running from the City Center. Again, Mungiki were on a rampage and people were dispersing. Mungiki are greatly feared, very dangerous. They kill many more people than are reported, usually in the slum areas. They are notorious for burglarizing and destroying property.

They seem to have settled over the weekend, after the Prime Minister invited them to "talks" to hear their complaints. Please continue to pray for the situation, though. This group is massive and has strong roots. They will not disappear, but they will subside in their attacks and intensity. That is what has happened now.

So....thanks to the provision of our God, I am safe. But, as always, we pray for the Lord's protection in all circumstances! May He continue to protect and bless His children. Great is His faithfulness!

Children look at a train that was derailed by members of the Mungiki, an outlawed quasi-religious sect, Monday, April 14, 2008 during protest in the Dandora slum in Nairobi, Kenya. Members of the Mungiki, an outlawed quasi-religious sect linked to a string of beheadings, held protests in several cities across the country to demand the release of their leader from prison. Protesters also accused police of being behind last week's killings of the gang leader's wife and their acting leader's brother.
Members of the police remove barricades set up by members of the Mungiki.