The referendum

Kenya has a rocky political history. It was colonized by the British, then overthrew their rule to be led by numerous corrupt and unstable politicians. Most recently the 2007 election brought a major conflict among the Kenya people. After the election both candidates declared victory but only one was sworn in (the one the people DID NOT want). This flamed an ethnic war between the Kikuyu tribe and non-Kikuyu. The bulk of the conflict was centered on the Rift Valley and the Kisumu area with hundreds of homes and businesses destroyed and looted. By the time the UN intervened in 2008 over 1300 individuals had died as a direct result of the violence and more than half a million people were displaced. The Kenyan government was in shambles and the constitution was thrown out. Recently, however, Kenya has seen a time of peace and stability. This all may change come August 4th.

August 4th is the voting day for the new constitution. The new constitution has been in the works since the old one was thrown out back in 2008. It has gained a lot of publicity the last few months as both supporters and those opposed hold rallies across the country. For the most part, Kenyans are in favor of the new constitution. Those who are not are mainly the religious sectors who main opposition is the abortion clause. They claim it legalizes abortion when it really only gives a women the option if the pregnancy is threatening her life.

Here in Kisumu people are in favor, like the majority. As Kisumu has a reputation for rocky political clashes the sense is everything will be calm if the referendum passes. Currently the polls are 65% yes and 35% no. I don't want to worry anyone as it is highly unlikely that anything will happen. All American organizations are taking precautions as well. CDC is closed that entire week and I am on house arrest so to say. They aren't expecting anything but preparing none to less. My hope is one the voting occurs peacefully and fairly and two the constitution passes because it crucial for Kenya to have a strong democratic system in place to afford stability to its people. The picture is of a pro-constitution rally at my study site the other day (Lwak)!