Introduction
Dear Partners ,
PeaceNet Kenya, a network of member organizations drawn from community based organizations, inter-faith organizations and local non governmental organizations has embarked on Elections violence reduction project, utilizing the strength of the networks' membership across the country.
The project was launched on Monday, 12th November 2007, in Nairobi at a PeaceNet Regional Coordinator's consultative meeting. The project is meant to monitor violence and mobilize stakeholders for interventions.
This newsletter is the first in a series of weekly updates that will inform partners of unfolding events during the elections.
Red Flag
Religious propaganda finding its way into the political arena. Reports indicate Leaflets were circulated in Ngong and Nakuru on Tuesday, 13th
November 2007 speculating on the religious affiliation of ODM presidential candidate. This may lead to increased tension. Destruction of ODM and PNU billboards in Nairobi and Machakos
respectively is a cause of concern in the political arena.
Western
- The Killing of the brother of immediate former Mt Elgon MP, John Serut has accelerated tension in the area.
- Politicians from Mt Elgon are taking their campaigns to neighboring Kimilili and Chwele, where Internally Displaced Persons are camped and this might trigger conflict.
Nyanza
- Threats to vacate Nyanza are being issued to migrant communities living in the area especially from central province if ODM loses in the General Elections.
- In Kisumu Rural constituency, tension is high due to alleged interference of the nomination exercise by ODM headquarters.
- Civic and parliamentary nominations in Nyanza on 16th November 2007 were delayed in several polling stations causing heightened tension.