Dear Friend,

I am writing you with tragic news. In the aftermath of the disputed Dec. 27 election in Kenya, over 300 people have been killed, 70,000 have been displaced, and thousands more are suffering from injuries. SIGN OUR PETITION to end the violence in Kenya so we can resume our work!

SMRC project coordinator, Daniel Teweles, was evacuated after several days of hiding in a neighborhood of Mombasa where gunshots could be heard through the night and rioting still continues. Here is an excerpt of Daniel's story from the Fuja, the Swahili word for loud noise, which is being used locally to describe the events that followed the contested election.

"I was in Mombasa until the morning of January 1st. In the days of the fuja I witnessed things I had only previously seen on the movie screen or in documentary footage. I saw hundreds of women and children chased down my street by an angry mob in fast pursuit while throwing large stones. I saw government troops fighting riotous mobs in the street. I saw a vibrant city known for its relaxed air and freewheeling fun, die in a heartbeat. And what I saw was just a glimpse. Men were burned alive a few blocks from where I had taken refuge. Churches were burned with dozens inside. Cars were stopped, and their passengers lynched if they were from the offending tribe.

During a lull in the violence a friend, no, a brother, of mine and I braved one of the most unstable neighborhoods in Kenya to get to the airport. Leaving when I had the opportunity was one of the hardest decisions I have ever been forced to make. While Kenya is not my country, in the few months I have lived there, mother Kenya drew me into her warm embrace and I described Kenya as the place I lived, not just worked. And so, in leaving, I not only left behind my home but countless friends who cannot or will not leave. I am overcome by a deep sadness and an unforgivable guilt, two emotions I look forward to overcoming upon my eventual return to Kenya." (Read more…)

SMRC is taking action. We need students from around the world to do the same. Sign our petition to call for a peaceful resolution. Make it possible for SMRC to get back to work with the people on development! PEACE FOR WATER NOW! 

The conflict in Kenya is raging, and the people of Kenya are suffering. Click here to help us put an end to it.

We plan to move forward with the Kenya Water and Sanitation Project once peace prevails. Kayafungo, the site of the project has not been directly affected. However, instability will make it difficult for our important development work to continue. When peace resumes, so will our Kenya Water and Sanitation project. Your voice helps make that possible.

Peace,

Saul Garlick