Kenyan National Election

The queue at our local voting station still stretching 

for more than a km late in the afternoon

Monday, March 4th, was the first national election for Kenya since the post-election violence which erupted in the aftermath of the 2007 presidential elections. In the past months, many organizations have been working to promote peaceful and safe elections. Canadian Baptist Ministries has been working with our national Church partners to strengthen civic education and peace building throughout the communities where we serve. It has been good to hear many voices calling Kenya to unity in the midst of the election campaigns. 

On election day, there were some violent clashes in Coast province and isolated outbreaks of violence, but the majority of the country was civil. Despite incredibly long lines for voting, we found people very pleasant and optimistic. Several strangers came up to us, proudly showing off their red-dyed pinky fingers (a tool to ensure that no one casts multiple votes). “Have you voted today? I have!!”

Election results come slowly in Kenya: The deadline for the electoral commission is next Monday, March 11th. So far, only a third of the voting results have been published, but Kenyans are being assured a fair and transparent election. We continue to pray that God’s grace and peace will rule in the hearts of the Kenyan people.

Thank you for praying for Kenya!