The ever-shifting situation here makes these posts outdated a few minutes after posting. But for what it's worth...
Confusing information is coming in about when a rally might be held by opposition supporters. Yesterday afternoon, they were calling for a meeting next Tuesday. Then we heard that Raila had called for a rally today, Friday. This morning I hear that people are calling for a rally tomorrow in downtown Nairobi. Nobody seems clear on what might be planned.
From what I hear from people around the country, the situation this morning is generally quiet but tense.
In Nairobi, Felix says some businesses are open. Security pesonnel are on the streets. Many people who have been displaced from neighborhoods around Nairobi are camping out in Jamhuri Park. Individuals and businesses are bringing food and clothing in to the park. Reminiscent of images from refugee camps around the world, Felix says fights are breaking out over the supplies as they arrive.
In Kibera, Edwin says there is an eerie calm. He says at the northern edge of the settlement, noone sees to be trying to move into town, though the roads are now open. Milka says there are growing concerns that the Mathari-based gang known as Mungiki might raid Kibera. She says leaflets and photos have been left on the outskits of Kibera, threatening retaliation for how certain tribes have been targeted in Kibera over the past week. Mama Hemza says, since the already limited electrical infrastructure there is faltering, it is very difficult to get good information about what is happening outside the slum.
In Eldoret, Edwin says the city is dead quiet. We heard yesterday that ten trucks full of people fleeing the town arrived safely in Nairobi.
In Mombasa, Paul and Maimuna say the situation is quiet right now. Maimuna says in the poor neighborhood of Kisauni, supplies of food, phone credit and paraffin are running lower than ever.
In Kisumu, Judy says the city center is relatively quiet. She says the prices for all essentials has at least doubled.
More updates in a few hours.
In the meantime, I am looking for a more contact who can give us updates from Northeastern and Central. If you know anyone, please e-mail me names and phone numbers.
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