Violent outbreak results from election

developing economy that grew 6 percent last year has screeched to a halt with no clear solution in sight.

According to Debbie DeVoe, the regional information officer for CRS in Kenya, CRS and partner staff are keeping a close watch on the situation in the area and continue to monitor the status of project participants in order to respond quickly if situations arise that could further hinder project implementation.

CRS has provided $250,000 worth of emergency supplies to aid 37,500 people in the worst-affected regions. They are working closely with other agencies, including the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and Caritas Kenya.

The Kenya Red Cross has distributed 7,000 blankets, 10,000 mosquito nets, 5,000 water cans and 7,500 plastic sheets that CRS has delivered.

In addition, they are developing plans to help communities rebuild trust and eventually enable displaced families to rebuild their lives after extensive loss.

DeVoe said in an email to the Loquitur, “No beneficiaries have died in the violence, although four girls received minor injuries during skirmishes in Karungu. They were treated promptly afterwards.”

Service delivery has been disrupted due to lack of transportation, but this has yet to cause significant problems because most beneficiaries are treated at health facilities near their homes.

“This has become a hu- manitarian crisis,” MacLean said. “The attacking and burning of homes continues. The number of Kenyans affected by this violence will only escalate unless security is restored.”

MacLean said that longer term work is needed to address the wounds the electoral process opened in the nation.

“It’s going to take time to heal,” MacLean said.

John Katunga, regional technical adviser for peacebuilding and justice, said in an interview with DeVoe, “What has happened in this country cannot be isolated. CRS employees in Kenya are a microcosm of society, and as Kenyan society is divided by the crisis, it affects our staff.” ning Guerra’s house, they soon became another set of helping hands. Nicky Alfonso, 42, Guerra’s next-door neighbor, took a week’s worth vacation from work to assist in the rebuilding of Guerra’s house. He soon became the volunteers’ “go-to-guy” for all their construction problems.

“It’s obvious a lot of these kids haven’t even picked up a hammer before, but they’re here regardless,” Alfonso said. “This isn’t just doing Miss Edna good, it does me good too. It lifts my heart; I feel so grateful.”

Throughout the week, the volunteers had proven that Miss Edna’s house was their top priority. Not even Louisiana’s pouring rain would hinder their dedication. On the last day, volunteers refused to leave until the last floorboard of Guerra’s house was in place. Finally, at 6:47 p.m. Guerra hammered the last nail into her new floor. The flooring and foundation was finally complete. Volunteers, neighbors and Guerra celebrated by having the cupid shuffle on the floor, a Habitat for Humanity tradition.

“I may not be rich with money, but I’m rich with friends,” Guerra said.

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