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The Conundrum That Is Kenya

By Jeannie Lockerbie Stephenson

A beautiful land

A rainbow at the base of Thompson Falls... cows and zebra grazing together in the fertile Rift Valley... sunrise over the Indian Ocean... These are just a few of the memories of the beautiful land of Kenya. A tourist booklet reads, "God took all the world's most beautiful destinations and put them all in this one country."

The people, too, are beautiful

Among the most well known of the 42 distinct ethnic groups are the stately Maasai, who frequently herd their cattle even along major thoroughfares in the capital city, Nairobi. Kikuyus are the largest of Kenya 's tribes. To the Kikuyu, "Land is the measure of wealth, prosperity, stability, and happiness." (Text Book Centre Ltd.: The Beautiful People of Kenya, page 27). The Kalenjin, with many subgroups, name their children according to the time of their birth, as in "Jerotich," meaning, "born in the evening when the cows come home."

Beauty and corruption side by side

Religion plays a prominent role in Kenya. Tribal customs such as dancing around sacred trees and rocks, and belief in the power of shamans (witchdoctors) are still evident, especially in rural areas. Bible verses and religious sayings such as "Emmanuel Café," "God's Grace Barber," and "The Lord is my Defender" commonly adorn shops and public transport. Churches line the streets and lanes.

Yet, robbery, violence, rape, "carjacking," and murder are also commonplace. The judicial system is in chaos because more than 85 justices have been cited for corruption. AIDS is pandemic, with hundreds dying every day. The president's wife, Lucy Kibaki, is quoted as saying, "One million children are affected by AIDS, the increase in orphans is catastrophic, and millions of children lack basic necessities."

What does Kenya need? PRAYER - that the many true Christians in this beautiful nation will live out their faith. Currently ABWE has one church plant in Nairobi. For the past three months, my husband, Wally, and I worked with the 50 people in this group. Join us in prayer that righteousness will rise in their nation.