Crime rates in Kibera are unsurprisingly high although the gathering and collating of any useful and relevant data is fickle as government activity is noticeable by its absence unless an election is imminent. Police presence is practically non-existent. Low paid and overstretched, interfering with the complexities of Kibera can be hazardous and is often left to the community leaders or at worst the slum lords, gang leaders or mob rule. Gun crime is an accepted part of life, inevitably the darker consequences of which fall upon the young men who crave significance, purpose and belonging.
Jonathan turned up to the community centre church service fully loaded: Two pistols, ammunition and a fake police uniform. He waited his time and at a suitable break in the proceedings, he made his move. The startled leader was implored to accompany him to a respected police station away from Kibera where he wanted to hand himself and the tools of his trade in.
The previous few weeks’ events had gotten the better of him. His children had been attending the community centre’s free feeding program and he had a visit or two from people who just wanted to be kind.
Love wins.
These writings are penned whilst in the field working with our friends who live and work in Kibera and it is hoped that they bring insight, understanding and a provocation that the status-quo is unacceptable. Please feel free to unsubscribe or share as appropriate. Any opinions implied or expressed are my own and names may have been changed for the sake of privacy.
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