Kenyan Mob Burns Church, Killing Up To 50

Many Children Burned Alive In Church Where Hundreds Sought Refuge From Ethnic Clashes

(CBS/AP)  A mob torched a church where hundreds had sought refuge Tuesday, and witnesses said dozens of people - including children - were burned alive or hacked to death with machetes in ethnic violence that followed Kenya's disputed election.

The killing of up to 50 ethnic Kikuyus in the Rift Valley city of Eldoret brought the death toll from four days of rioting to more than 275, raising fears of further unrest in what has been one of Africa's most stable democracies.

The latest violence recalled scenes from the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, when more than a half-million people were killed. The question facing Kenya is whether the politicians will lose control of the mobs, triggering a civil war.

President Mwai Kibaki, who was swiftly inaugurated for a second term Sunday after a vote that critics said was rigged, called for a meeting with his political opponents - a significant softening of tone for a man who rarely speaks to the press and who vowed to crack down on rioters.

But opposition candidate Raila Odinga refused, saying he would meet Kibaki only "if he announces that he was not elected." Odinga accused the government of stoking the chaos, telling The Associated Press in an interview that Kibaki's administration "is guilty, directly, of genocide."

The violence - from the shantytowns of Nairobi to resort towns on the sweltering coast - has exposed long-festering tribal resentment.

The people killed in Eldoret, about 185 miles northwest of Nairobi, were members of Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe.

They had fled to the Assemblies of God Church on Monday night, seeking refuge after mobs torched homes. Video from a helicopter chartered by the Red Cross showed many homes in flames and the horizon obscured by smoke. Groups of people were seen seeking sanctuary at schools and the airport, while others moved into the forest.

On Tuesday morning, a mob of about 2,000 arrived at the church, said George Karanja, whose family had sought refuge there.

"They started burning the church," Karanja told the AP in a telephone interview, his voice catching with emotion as he described the scene. "The mattresses that people were sleeping on caught fire. There was a stampede, and people fell on one another."

Karanja, 37, helped pull out at least 10 people, but added, "I could not manage to pull out my sister's son. He was screaming 'Uncle, uncle!' ... He died." The boy was 11.

Up to 50 people were killed in the attack, said a Red Cross official who spoke on condition of anonymity because her name would identify her tribe, and she feared reprisal. Even first aid workers were stopped by vigilantes who demanded their identity. Numerous blockades along the road to Eldoret increased the dangers of traveling.

Karanja said his two children raised their hands as they left the church and they were beaten with a cane, but not killed. His 90-year-old father was attacked with a machete, but survived, he said.

"The worst part is that they were hacking people and then setting them on fire," he added.

The attackers saw Karanja saving people and began stoning him, he said. Karanja said he ran and hid - submerging himself in a pit latrine outside the church property. He stayed there about 30 minutes until he heard people speaking Kikuyu, he added.

The Kikuyu, Kenya's largest ethnic group, are accused of turning their dominance of politics and business to the detriment of others. Odinga is from the Luo tribe, a smaller but still major tribe that says it has been marginalized.

There are more than 40 tribes in Kenya, and political leaders have often used unemployed and uneducated young men to intimidate opponents. While Kibaki and Odinga have support from across the tribal spectrum, the youth responsible for the violence tend to see politics in strictly ethnic terms.

In Nairobi's slums, which are often divided along tribal lines, rival groups have been fighting each other with machetes and sticks as police use tear gas and bullets to keep them from pouring into the city center. The capital has been a ghost town for days, with residents stocking up on food and water and staying in their homes.

Parents in the capital's slums - home to a third of its population - searched for food, with many shops closed because of looting.

Anne Njoki, a 28-year-old Kikuyu, said she fled her home in a shantytown after she saw Kikuyus being attacked and their homes looted. She was camped near a military base with her sister, 3-year-old nephew and 7-year-old niece.

"They have taken our beds, blankets, even spoons," she said of the looters.

In the Mathare slum, Odinga supporters torched a minibus and attacked Kikuyu travelers, witnesses said.

"The car had 14 people in it, but they only slashed Kikuyus," said witness Boniface Mwangi. Five were attacked by the machete-wielding gang, he said.

The prospect of even more violence is ahead. Odinga has accused the president of genocide and called for a mass protest on Thursday, which will rally hundreds of thousands of his angry supporters, reports CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer.

The government banned the demonstration, but Odinga said: "It doesn't matter what they say."

The widespread violence and gathering international pressure could lead Kibaki to seek a compromise with the opposition.

The European Union and the United States have refused to congratulate Kibaki, and the EU and four top Kenyan election officials have called for an independent inquiry. In Britain, Kenya's former colonial ruler, Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged Kibaki and Odinga to hold talks.

Election commission chairman Samuel Kivuitu said Tuesday he had been pressed by both an opposition party and Kibaki's Party of National Unity to release the results of the vote. Western ambassadors "wanted me to delay announcing the results, even if it is for a week," to allow the commission to investigate alleged irregularities, he said.

Kibaki, 76, won by a landslide in 2002, ending 24 years of rule by Daniel arap Moi. Kibaki is praised for turning the country into an east African economic powerhouse with an average growth rate of 5 percent, but his anti-graft campaign has been seen as a failure, and the country still struggles with tribalism and poverty.

Odinga, 62, cast himself as a champion of the poor. His main constituency is the Kibera slum, where some 700,000 people live in poverty, but he has been accused of failing to do enough to help them in 15 years as a member of parliament.

Kenya's tourism industry, which brings in some $900 million and attracts more than 1 million visitors a year, is sure to suffer from the violence. The United States has warned tourists against all but essential travel to Kenya, and Britain has advised against travel in some areas.

Stuart Dickson, a Canadian who was vacationing in Nairobi, said he was cutting short his visit.

"We are leaving early because of the riots and how dangerous it is to be out on the streets," he said. "With shops being closed and everything, it is not the best place for a tourist or traveler to be right now."

[keithle1]

Africa is comprised of many, many tribes. Getting rid of the "white colonial powers" was the least of their worries. Once they left, the real fun was just starting.

[hungry1968]

"At Least 228 Killed Since Saturday"



Hell, that''s nothing!! Our 2000 election has directly led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people.

[runningralph]

Tribal warfare can quickly slide into genocide. Islamic jihad will be thrown into the fray. The old tribal warfare of quick raids and returning home will be replaced by propaganda and assassinations with a political agenda. When Islamics reach their goal they will move to a different location. They have determination, money, and no fear of death.

[underdogus]

They have determination, money, and no fear of death Posted by runningralph "instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers" QUR''AN 8:12....

[nothappyatall]

Too many people jammed into too small an area with too few resources is the real problem.

[earth561]

At Least 228 Killed Since Saturday"



Hell, that''''s nothing!! Our 2000 election has directly led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by hungry1968 at 11:19 AM : Jan 01, 2008

and did you know that Car manufaturers have caused 560,000 deaths in the USA alone in the last 10 years ?

[civilsociety]

No, a lack of personal liberty, economic and religous freedom, property rights and the rule of law is the real problem.

This site says it better than anything: http://www.freeafrica.org/

[pcal5]

Kenya, a preview of America on Nov. 5, 2008 after the next rigged election. Remember, remember the 5th of November.

[zootallures2]

Oh, yea, the poverty and poor...LOL! It''s people, not poverty. They are rich in the US and are murdering each other at 50,000 per year. No excuse. Just another out break of s*adism. There needs to be a vaccine!

[amazedd]

We are stardust, we are golden
We are billion year old carbon
And we got to get ourselves back to the garden

a.k.a Anarchy

[zootallures2]

We are stardust, we are golden
We are billion year old carbon
And we got to get ourselves back to the garden

a.k.a Anarchy

Posted by Amazedd at 02:00 PM : Jan 01, 2008


Just use "we" and "everybody" and it''s gotta be true..LOL!

Everybody, everybody, everybody livin now,
Everybody, everybody, everybody ***,
Everybody, everybody, everybody livin now,
Everybody, everybody, everybody sucks,
Everybody, everybody, everybody livin now,
Everybody, everybody, everybody dies,
Everybody, everybody, everybody livin now,
Everybody, everybody, everybody cries,

Its a non stop disco, I bet you its Nabisco
Betcha didn''t know, WOO HOO
Its a non stop disco, I bet you its Nabisco
Betcha didn''t know, WOO HOO

A.K.A. Stoooopid!

[amazedd]

It''s a shame

[zootallures2]

Will 2008 find a cure for s*adism?

Each year s*adism kills millions. But there is hope! Yes, here at the International S*adism Foundation (ISF) were are close to a break through to stop this killer that has mutated to not distinguish between old and young, rich our poor, but we need your help. Donate your tax-deductible gift to The International S*adism Foundation today.

[hungry1968]

and did you know that Car manufaturers have caused 560,000 deaths in the USA alone in the last 10 years ?

Posted by earth561 at 01:11 PM : Jan 01, 2008



And how many of those drivers that killed / hurt / maimed other people are in jail for their crimes? Vehicular Manslaughter, DWI, negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, etc, etc?

So when does Bush''s trial start?

[formrusmcsgt]

Man will apparently never free himself of the ignorance that is racism.

An ignorance that is passed from generation to generation.....

[amazedd]

Man''s no here, dude

[j-whitman]

Nero fiddles - Rome Burns
Bush fiddles - Earth Burns

[zootallures2]

Will 2008 find a cure for s*adism?

Each year s*adism kills millions of people. But there is hope! Yes, here at the International S*adism Foundation (ISF) we are close to a break through to stop this killer that has mutated to not distinguish between old and young, rich or poor, or any race or religion. It can cause death and injury to even the most praised and honored, sacred and loved, and your precious small children. Even pets and animals are not immune. Once just a mass killer of bugs and insects, it has spread and evolved into our world%u2019s greatest threat. We need your help. Donate your tax-deductible gift to The International S*adism Foundation today and help fight the war on s*adism.

How about the old fire and brimstone vaccine? LOL!

[zootallures2]

Yawl heard of s*xual intercourse...?
Well, this is s*adistic intercourse.

Urges and surges...yupper!

[j-whitman]

ilikecats1,,,, Looks like the beginnings of another Idi Amin reign doesn''t it ?? --- Ripe for Al Queda

[zootallures2]

Kid + magnifying glass ants = s*adistic m*sterbation.

[amazedd]

Lord of the flies, really

[toolmangler-2009]

s*adistic m*sterbation.
Posted by zootallures2 at 03:02 PM : Jan 01, 2008


The only one ''getting'' himself off here is you..... you should ''apologize'' for that post, but you won''t. Intead you will attack me for having called you on it.
ssssshhhhheeeeeeeessssshhhhh!!!!!

[zootallures2]

Amazing what a long winded, troublesome tale yawl make to disguise the obvious.

Kenyans go S*adistic
US brings more s*adism to the already s*adistically plaged Iraq.
Neo-cons and media defend s*adism.
Rush Limbaugh pro s*adism radio host.
Beoing anounces their latest airial mass s*adism machine.
The USS S*adism.
The terrorist oraganisation al-S*adism.
Mass lay-off leave workers feeling s*odomised.
NWO attempts conformity, but creates more s*adism.
Researchers say melting skyscrapers from Global S*adism.

.....

[j-whitman]

Happy Old Year Redoux

[zootallures2]

The only one ''''getting'''' himself off here is you..... you should ''''apologize'''' for that post, but you won''''t. Intead you will attack me for having called you on it.
ssssshhhhheeeeeeeessssshhhhh!!!!!

Posted by ToolMangler at 03:13 PM : Jan 01, 2008

You low life. Get a life! Take your meds! Can''t you spell ''Intead''? Still living in your mommas basement with a foil hat?

AWWWWWWWWWWWWW that felt good!

[earth561]

and did you know that Car manufaturers have caused 560,000 deaths in the USA alone in the last 10 years ?

Posted by earth561 at 01:11 PM : Jan 01, 2008



And how many of those drivers that killed / hurt / maimed other people are in jail for their crimes? Vehicular Manslaughter, DWI, negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, etc, etc?

So when does Bush''''s trial start?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by hungry1968 at 02:19 PM : Jan 01, 2008

I know that your history of the world started on 9/12/2001 as its very obvious George Bush was the inventor of the automobile, not mention the highways. He also invented the de-braince01 gun which he used on you when you were near DC. I WARNED YOU NOT TO GO NEAR HIM !!

oh,The good old days before BUSH when there was no alcohol or car accidents !

[zootallures2]

D*ck Cheney on meet the press:

"It''s not s*adism, it''s patriotic, freedom something or other...."

[michellem99-2009]

There is one race, 2 genders.I was taught this by my Dad''s family. They say TALK Talk. It don''t work. War don''t work. Look the mess of America. We are a mess. I can''t even watch the telly as I end up hollering at her leaders. Yer worse than I. They don''t need the aid yer shove at them. They can''t use it. Talks they are meaningless. They need hand on learning to better them. Most Americans can''t relate to them. Yer have always had running water, a rest room in yer home, on and on. They don''t. I had to pump water using a hand pump. We did not have running water where ye turn on the tap. We used the out house. Washed our clothed by hand,,this was the 60s in Maine..I knew no different and I am white. I got my clothes from the dump, good stuff. I had holes in my shoes. That dress I hated it as I was not allowed to have a new one..I would now wear it. I was better than that. I was a small child. Sure I am grateful. I was treated as trash /a 2rd class citizen in America and I am sn American. I am 53.

[zootallures2]

Israeli and Palestinian peace talks end when both sides refuse to recognise s*adism.

[radiob-2009]

Fruity Zooty where is your Klan
the US boogie man?
Inside your head
Is empty space instead.

[zootallures2]

Karanja said he helped pull out at least 10 people, but "I could not manage to pull out my sister''s son. He was screaming ''uncle, uncle''... He died."

He was 11.

11.... might be a sign for the wack jobs at Boheimian Grove S*adist Club. How many 9 year olds? They need it to forcast the stock market for 2008? Maybe they''ll send ''em to area 51 for an autopsy and see if the 13th seat will be filled this year on the 33rd day after 17 moon orbits with the mount of Moloch at 99 degrees to the pentagon?

[hungry1968]

I know that your history of the world started on 9/12/2001 as its very obvious George Bush was the inventor of the automobile, not mention the highways. He also invented the de-braince01 gun which he used on you when you were near DC. I WARNED YOU NOT TO GO NEAR HIM !!

oh,The good old days before BUSH when there was no alcohol or car accidents !

Posted by earth561 at 03:20 PM : Jan 01, 2008




When I decry Bush for his atrocities, you try to justify those atrocities, by bringing up the number of people killed over the last 10 years because of cars, I merely pointed out that people that commit crimes in their cars are prosecuted, and asked when does the trial start for Bush''s crimes.

This post that you just spewed on the board, makes absolutely no sense, and in now way relates to any conversation I was a part of. I can''t respond properly to a post that doesn''t make any sense. Please try to translate this into "logical human speak" and repost it.

[zootallures2]

radiob wacks his pee pee
to videos of abu graib-eee

[zootallures2]

radiob, durka durka hanna montana jihad?

[j-whitman]

Kids, quit fighting ! -- Jump up here on the sofa & smoke a bowl, sing Kumbaya

[beehive21-2009]

funny how man kills everything, no matter the color of skin man loves to kill for any reason kill,kill.

[zootallures2]

11, the index and pinky hand sign, owls, pentagrams, crescents and star, goats.... It means justice from God like when he sends you to hell. Or you can symbolically say you believe in doing good or you will go to hell. The english word afraid, comes from the ancient word Fradi. The warning, the Quran... making buildings in the shape of a pentagon or putting these symbol on a flag, does not give you power over God.

[zootallures2]

Apollo 11 ... power over people, by people....ummm crazy mofo people...LOL!

If George Washington was alive today, he''d probably say "It''s Mason not moron!"

[radiob-2009]

Zooty this is your religion killing all of the people.

[zootallures2]

"Mission control to Apollo 11, do you copy?" "A yea, Huston, twinky base my eagle has landed. I think we may have hit a deer, send up a cypress tree." "Any word that it might be the diety of illness and disease? I got something growing on my golf balls, over and my club is burning, over?"

[zootallures2]

Zooty this is your religion killing all of the people.

Posted by radiob at 04:30 PM : Jan 01, 2008

Oh, sure. anything but the possibilty yawl sa*distic nut jobs who can''t follow the simplest of instructions.

[zootallures2]

All my x''s live in Texas.
That why I make my home with the Kenyanese.

[zootallures2]

Send in the anarchists, we need to stage a government crack down.

[radiob-2009]

And your religion has not killed over 235,000 in the last 6 years alone? Right Zooty, your perversion of it.

[fibonacci_]

What the h*ell is this world coming to.

[zootallures2]

Will 2008 find a cure for s*adism?

Each year s*adism kills millions of people. But there is hope! Yes, here at the International S*adism Foundation (ISF) we are close to a break through to stop this killer that has mutated to not distinguish between old and young, rich or poor, or any race or religion. It can cause death and injury to even the most praised and honored, sacred and loved, and your precious small children. Even pets and animals are not immune. Once just a mass killer of bugs and insects, it has spread and evolved into our world%u2019s greatest threat. We need your help. Donate your tax-deductible gift to The International S*adism Foundation today and help fight the war on s*adism.

[toolmangler-2009]

And your religion has not killed over 235,000 in the last 6 years alone? Right Zooty, your perversion of it.
Posted by radiob at 04:58 PM : Jan 01, 2008


(This is the question)


Each year s*adism kills millions of people. But there is hope! Yes, here at the International S*adism Foundation (ISF) we are close to a break through to stop this killer that has mutated to not distinguish between old and young, rich or poor, or any race or religion. It can cause death and injury to even the most praised and honored, sacred and loved, and your precious small children. Even pets and animals are not immune. Once just a mass killer of bugs and insects, it has spread and evolved into our world%u2019s greatest threat. We need your help. Donate your tax-deductible gift to The International S*adism Foundation today and help fight the war on s*adism.
Posted by zootallures2 at 05:06 PM : Jan 01, 2008


but this is no answer. This is the same tripe that Bushy_baby has been heaping on the world since this started

[nwihoosier]

Idiots all

Ha haaaaaa

[pcal5]

One shouldn''t be surprised. When I was a kid in Catholic school, we used to give our pennies every day to the missions in Kenya. And obviously we converted a large number to Christianity judging from the Christian who stole the election in Kenya being sworn in (illegitimally) on the Bible. Americans accept stolen elections passively, absurdly putting faith in our packed Supreme Court that rubber stamped the theft. The Kenyans care a lot more about freedom and they have a natural anger when they are made fools out of. Perhaps this is a harbinger of things to come when our home grown Christians steal the our next election too. If you hope so too, check out matrix-evolutions DOT com.