Elbows, Armpits
The US Embassy has gathered US citizens this morning at the Ambassador’s residence in Nairobi to talk through possible violence in Kenya’s upcoming election. It’s an information session to answer questions and talk through rumors, expectations, and plans.
We’ve had information sessions of our own over the last week, with new friends who lived through violence after the last elections. Six years ago, massive election fraud sparked divisions between Kenya’s largest tribes. Thousands were killed. Many more thousands fled their homes to escape the bloodshed.
I’ve asked many questions about that bloodshed, mainly: How is your tribal identity known to the mob?
Apparently, there are slight physical differences … and personal information like last names or home address on identity cards might reveal tribal roots … but it was LANGUAGE that proved to be the biggest marker, because most tribes have their own.
The mob would stop a bus full of refugees. They would ask: What is our word for “armpit” or “elbow”?
As we’ve learned on this global journey, there is no way you can fake answers in an unknown tongue.
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(We leave Kenya six days before election day.)
I just heard in audio postcard on Morning Edition about graffiti artists in the slums of Nairobi, painting messages of peace on the train. Interesting that their messages included pictures of Martin Luther King and Barack Obama. It makes me wonder whether we are up to being a model for the world.
Wow. Fascinating times for you all. I must admit I’m glad you’re leaving before the actual election. Can’t wait to see where you go next! Love to all.
hey Suby- my buddy Naoma whom you met in DC lives in Nairobi. I shared this blog with her. I hope you can connect. She has insight that may help! -
Hi Suby~ my buddy Laura whom you met in…(where did ya’ll meet?)…told me you’re in Nairobi. I have zero insight that will help you. But loads of opinions. Like which vendors at Masai market offer the best deals, where the best playgrounds in town are and which cafe has the best coffee. The election stuff is definitely on everyone’s minds right now (I know about the meeting you went to. Hope you didn’t find it too overwhelming…there’s a tendency to use scare tactics to drive a point home). But you’re scooting out of here before anything would happen (if it were even going to). You contact me via my blog http://www.leesonthego.blogspot.com if you’d like. (Don’t want to put personal email up here. But can answer you in private message via blog).
All the best,
Naoma
Sure it is fascinating to hear of these tribes, but glad to hear you will be leaving before election and any possible violence. You are always in our prayers. Betsy
Fascinating! I hope that the Wildman family might connect with my Nairobi colleague, Jean Paul Nadagijimana. He is doing peace-building workshops in Nairobi and in other areas like, Molo, this week.
Having just watched “Argo” last night the potential for uncontrol and hysteria is forefront.
Be safe & well.