A surprise Christmas present from the police

… and no, it is not a nice gift — they’re attacking Samburu homes again. 

When I got back from spending Christmas weekend with my family and checked e-mail, I had a several moments of panic as I saw that the police had scheduled major, “disarmament” raids on East Samburu villages for Christmas Eve. Women were fleeing into the night to avoid anticipated rape. Then I read later e-mails and let out a sigh of relief. Press coverage and other light shown on their plans led the Kenyan police to announce that they had postponed the police visits to search out and disarm any “illegally armed” Samburu until January 20th. I sat back and planned a detailed post to Save Samburu for later.

And then I found out yesterday that the police have just attacked without notice. Samburu are reporting with news of beatings, thefts and removals of young men. Soon we may not hear what is happening: the police are taking people’s cell phones too. One e-mail tells of the fear in people’s voices as they anticipate the police coming to their manyatta (home).

At least three people are dead from one attack, that we have heard of, and police have taken away another three moran, the young men charged with protecting the tribe. While I have not been to Samburu or met any of the people personally, I feel that I know individuals. Samburu are asking friends outside the area if there is any food to spare.  Young men have been brutalized and even an elderly Samburu man (80+ years) has been beaten.

Human beings should not have to live like this.

Please, Ricky and any other Samburu (and others) reading this blog who are getting news: post your comments here so that the world can know what is happening. We must shout loudly so all can hear. But, if you have any worry for your and your community’s safety, be careful how you identify yourself. Your lives are precious to the world.