East York Kenyans distraught over recent violence
Originally filled on Feb 22, 2008 for East York’s Observer
BY KHALID MAGRAM
While political turmoil continues to create havoc in many parts of Kenya, Kenyans who live and work in East York are worried for their friend and family’s safety in violent-stricken East African country. They are also actively working on finding ways to help and support those affected by violence including raising funds to help those affected by mayhem.
Since most of Kenyans who live here in East York, are in school, or tied up with other commitments, they are finding other means and ways to communicate, including meeting on the internet with one another here, in Kenya and with Kenyan Diasporas elsewhere.
“We meet on Yahoo forums, with each other whenever we can, to give support and discuss the situation back home,” said Jane Etharia, who sits on the board of KCO (Kenyan Community in Ontario), an Ontario-based not-for-profit, non-political and non-denominational organization promoting the settlement and development of all Kenyans in Ontario.
“We also held a fundraising for people affected, last week at Mel Lastman Square,” and “We would like to do more,” to help the situation back home. Etharia said.
Kenya, a favorite tourist destination for many holiday seekers from Canada and around the world, erupted into chaos and violence soon after disputed presidential election on Dec. 27, 2007. The unpleasant images of death and destruction transmitted daily out of Kenya and viewed around the world on TV and on the internet have been upsetting and horrifying for many.
In the capital city Nairobi, more than 600 Kenyans including children have so far lost their lives in the ongoing violence. Disorderly mob have looted or torched number of local businesses, hundreds of people forced out of their homes and remain homeless, seeking refuge in churches, police stations and other places of worship.
Violence has directly affected Jane Etharia. Her family in Kenya was caught-up in the initial stages of the conflict, which is ongoing for a month now. “Some of my family members had to seek protection in a police station.” Etharia said.
Shiraz Kara, a prominent member of Ismaili community’s Don Mills congregation located on Overlea Boulevard near Don Mills Rd. said, many in the East York’s Ismaili community have family members and friends directly affected by the chaos and instability in Kenya.
“Some have been airlifted to the neighboring countries.” Kara said.
The International community; including Canada has ever since the unrest been urging Kenya’s political parties involve in political dispute to find a peaceful solution in ending the crisis.
Mediation by other African heads of state and former U.N Secretary General Kofi Anan is underway to bring about peace between the dissenting parties in the crisis.
According to KCO there are 5000 registered Kenyans living in East York and in the immediate surrounding area of GTA. Many still have relatives and friends living in violent-hit parts of the country.
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