ODM Wins House Speakers

Mini Pub, West Nairobi. © Anne Holmes

Local Nairobi residents celebrated last night when parliamentary election results announced Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party members won both House and Deputy Speaker positions. This is sure to appease anger a bit, but did not seem to deter any of those present from preparing to hit the streets today for the first day of rallies called by opposition leader Raila Odinga. “Kabaki Down!” Shouted one man. “Let’s get emotional!” cheered another as they jumped for joy and joined in singing political songs together.

Kenya is on fire with politics. “The people voted for change,” said one woman, “and it was robbed of us. What do you think we’re going to do? Just sit here?”

The atmosphere was calm throughout the day yesterday as people awaited the results from parliament, and into the night locals celebrated at home and in pubs when the news came in. But the streets of Nairobi are crawling with riot police today and tension is almost palpable in the air as both sides prepare for rallies at Uhuru Park which have been deemed illegal by Kibaki’s government.

At this time it is difficult to say if the demonstrations will turn sour or not. It may depend more on how the police react than the protesters, as the mood has generally been lightened with yesterday’s success. I had a late dinner at a friend’s house last night. As I was leaving, the lady of the house, easily in her late fourties said to me: “I hope to see you fresh tomorrow, ready to run with me!” People are happy, but unwilling to stand down until they get what they want. This is democracy in action; people actively participating in the future of their country. Let’s just hope it remains non-violent.

Mini Pub, West Nairobi. © Anne Holmes Local Nairobi residents celebrated last night when parliamentary election results announced Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party members won both House and Deputy Speaker...