Umoja

The past couple of days have been filled with travel and excitement and frustration. Yesterday we drove form Nairobi to Navaisha and then to Maai Mahui to see the internally displaced people camp (IDP). Most of the people were there as a result of the violence post 2007 election. We listened to an educational session during which people were advised about their rights as voters. To draw people to the tents music was played loudly. Here you can see that the children could not resist dancing to the music.

The women are still visibly shaken and in fear that this upcoming election itll bring new violence against them – the majority were Kukuyu. The drive was beautiful and we passed Zebras munching grass along the side of the highway.

Today, I woke early and headed to board a Cessna Caravan (12 seat plane) with only one other passenger: a wildlife artist who spends 3 week three times a year coming here to paint. The flight was really lovely with herds of Elephants seen form above. WE landed here in Samburu and I have wandered through Umoja, escorted by Judy who is 19 years of age. She’s been here 10 years having run form her father who had arranged a marriage with a 60 year old man. She feels safe now and will choose her own husband when she is ready.

The women’s work is beading necklaces. They work in a covered hut most of the day.