KENYANS IN USA PLAN PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATIONS
By AjabuAfrica.com, Boston, MA, 01/03/2008
Kenyans living in Massachusetts, USA, are very concerned about the chaotic fallout of the just concluded presidential elections in Kenya. The controversial results have led to acts of wanton killings, destruction of property, looting, rape and general hooliganism.
A group of about 45 young men and women met at The Claddagh Restaurant in Lawrence, Massachusetts with a view to discussing ways to assist in bringing normalcy to Kenya through peaceful dialogue as well as seeking donations for needy families affected by the clashes.
The Panel that sat and deliberated on how best to make the voices of Kenyans in the diaspora heard regarding the wanton destruction of life and property in Kenya due to the controversial Presidential elections results Pic by H.maina/AjabuAfrica |
It was decided at the meeting that a peaceful demonstration be held on Monday, January 6th, at the historic Boston Commons at 11.00 a.m. to persuade both sides of the power struggle to take clear and decisive steps at restoring peace.
“All we want is peace”, voice after voice echoed at the meeting.
“We do not care whether one is a Luo, Kikuyu, Kalenjin, or any other ethnic group. We are all Kenyans. We have lived together harmoniously and even intermarried for many decades. We reject any attempt by the politicians to divide us along ethnic lines”, said Anthony Njuguna, aka Owen, the chief convener of the meeting.
At some point during the meeting, the participants made a call to the Kenyan Ambassador to the U.S., H.E Peter Ogengo, on his cell phone. H.E. Ogengo answered right away and listened to the group’s concerns. Speaking clearly via the speakerphone, the ambassador offered his support to any idea from Kenyans in the Diaspora that can contribute to lasting peace in the country.
“The most important thing right now is to create peace in Kenya. Everything else is secondary”, Ogengo said. He promised to offer the Embassy’s assistance in helping channel donations to the Kenya Red Cross for distribution to various parts of the country affected by the violence. He also requested Kenyans to read a message (Embassy website link) on the Embassy website which expresses optimism for a solution that will allow all Kenyans to live anywhere in the country without fear.
The group was also happy to hear a message from Dr. Muniini K. Mulera, a top Ugandan Doctor living in Toronto, Canada, who wrote an email to AjabuAfrica.com and sympathized with Kenyans. “As an African and Ugandan ... who was sheltered by Kenyans as a refugee from Idi Amin's Uganda in 1977 and one who has the fondest memories of Kenya and with relatives living in Kenya, I join you in solidarity at this time of great distress and danger in your country. We must not despair. Every voice must sing from the same page for peaceful resolution of the conflict…all Kenyans regardless of political or other affiliation enjoy the full rights of citizens, including the right of peaceful assembly”, read part of Dr. Mulera’s message.
Various calls were also made to authority figures in and around Boston; seeking ways to network people so that the world could take action towards ending the political stalemate in Kenya.
The owner of The Claddagh Restaurant, Mr Paul ,offered his premises as a meeting place for free. “Anything I can do to help, I will.
Same stuff was happening back in the days in Ireland and in many other countries, but through tolerance and meaningful dialogue it was resolved”, Paul told the group. “Nobody wants to see people dying” he added.
Mr Paul, owner of the Claddagh restaurant in Lawrence, MA
Pic H.Maina/AjabuAfrica |
The group hopes to get as many Kenyans, friends, well-wishers and sympathizers as possible to come out and join the demonstration in Boston on Monday. “If people can take days off work to go party, why can’t they take a few hours off and come to show that they care for their country?” asked a young lady in the group.
By AjabuAfrica.com, Boston, MA, 01/03/2008
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