Casl Reaches out to the Victims of Post Election Violence

CASL REACHES OUT TO THE VICTIMS OF POST ELECTION VIOLENCE

THE VIOLENCE

On the 27th December 2007, was a significant day to the Kenyans. A day that many Kenyans were lookingforward to exercise their constitutional rights. There were long queue at different polling stations all over Kenya. Despite of this Kenyans lined up patiently and peacefully to cast their votes,

On 28thDec, Kenyans were anxious for the general election results but they were delayed. The announcement was made on 20th December but there were allegations of votes rigging. This led to violence in certain areas in the country. Property was destroyed, Innocent lives were lost and thousands were rendered homeless.

KIAMBUI SLUM RELIEF PROGRAM

As a result t of the post election violence, CASL decided to stretch out beyond its normal activity by initiating a relief program dubbed,Kiambui Slum Relief Program (KSRP). The primary purpose of KSRP is to come to the rescue of Kiambui Slum residents who are victim. Kiambui is the 3rd largest slum in Kenya with over 30000 familiesliving in the area.

Kiambui play a significant role in CASL,s activity as it hosts one of the CASL,s stronghold HIV/AIDS program in SulcanoPrimary School which was torched down.

SlucanoPrimary school has over 700 students who have been participating in CASL, s HIV/AIDS intervention program and they have now been left with no school to go to, no clothes and no shelter.

With KRSP, CASL intends to help and assist these families to regain their normal lives and feel part and parcel of the society by donating food stuff , clothes and other necessities through KSRP, Global Giving, friends and other donors.

FIRST DISTRIBUTION

On 19th January CASL organized its first distribution exercise. We gave out priority to 27 families.10 victims were HIV positive, the others had lost property, their businesses were burnt and some even lost their loved ones while others were seriously injured “My property was destroyed and for me its even more challenging because I am HIV positive”. Sarah Ongach, a widow of three children.

We gave out assorted food stuff and clothes. We were expected also to console the families but it was almost impossible to find words that could actually console. But I knew that from the contributions, we made a difference to the lives of these 27 families. This was confirmed by the smiles and the words they said |”Asanteni sana Mungu awabariki.” (Thank you very much GOD bless you) as they picked the clothes and food stuff.

CASL intend to continue with the distribution to reach out to even more families. We also intend to have a peace reconciliation football match with messages of peace and love.

ACKNOWLEGMENT

We would like to thank our friends, CASL members for their generous contribution .Gratitude to Global Giving and our donors. We appeal to our friend and donors for assistance to reach out to many lives as the government embark on a permanent solution.