tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2483903758481497872.post4696782355861896295..comments2023-10-01T07:01:59.638-07:00Comments on Grevens in Eldoret: Parellel Political Seasons (Post US Election)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03199844353184548568noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2483903758481497872.post-25651486457870536982012-12-01T08:06:47.320-08:002012-12-01T08:06:47.320-08:00Liz,
We were in Nairobi during the constitutiona...Liz, <br /><br />We were in Nairobi during the constitutional referendum, which turned out to be incredibly peaceful. However, because of warnings from the U.S. Embassy, we actually delayed our plans to head from Nairobi to Eldoret due to post-election violence in the general election. Apparently, there were a number of conflicts in the region specifcally on roads and Districts between the two cities. <br /><br />Our friends shared with us first-hand some of the violence they experienced after the general election, and while they expected a peaceful referendum, they also encouraged us to keep a low profile on the day of the vote. I think it shocked many of them that Kenyans could harm other Kenyans, and that such violence was possible in their nation. So, they were wary, even though their predictions were accurate. This taught me to make sure to be in close contact with Kenyan friends during potential volatile times, and to take their advice. Inevitably, they will have a better sense of the national and local political pulse. <br /><br />It's interesting to think about the role of artificial political boundaries consolidating native tribal jurisdiction. I sometimes wonder what the political map of East Africa would look like if Kenyans, Tanzanians, and Ugandans (to name a few) had been allowed to develop state sovreignty without the heavy-hand of Dutch, British, Portugese colonial systems(to name a few). <br /><br />Thanks again for such wonderful thoughts. I'm really enjoying the blog! <br /><br />elitryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07498765012312540802noreply@blogger.com