Violence: The Uninvited Guest

Everyone knew the uneasy calm of yesterday was very fragile and by mid afternoon the dukas in Longido had closed again. Shopkeepers were preparing for a second straight day of angry protests engulfing the whole town. Just before 5 p.m. the geologists staying at the TGH left for Arusha saying they would return once the unrest died down. The staff were on edge. As she held her baby, Angela, Carolyne wondered what she should do – stay or go home. She has a husband and two other young children – what about them? I offered all the staff the option of having their families come to the TGH until the situation settled.

Baraka Mark David, a Maasai friend from Kimokouwa I have known since 1998, called from Maasai Radio wondering how events were unfolding. He said meetings were being held at the highest levels with the Regional Commissioner, District Commissioner, the MP, village leaders from areas where the unrest had already spread, and the tribal leaders. A peaceful solution is being sought. He added that “grazing rights” seemed to be the issue. The Larusha were bringing their cattle into Maasai territory to find food, knowing well that some lines should not be crossed.

Nusra atop one of the water tanks
trying to see what is happening on the road.

We could hear the noise coming from the paved road but could not see anything. Suddenly we heard a gunshot. It was ominous, but welcome, because it signalled that the military were now on the scene. Everyone stayed put. Carolyne’s husband, Simon, who usually wears Western-style clothing, arrived at the guesthouse wearing his traditional Maasai clothing, knowing he could be targeted. A few World Vision workers were already inside the TGH gates. Lesaloi, the daytime askari, remained and was joined by Oyaya who came early for night duty. Sanjoy also showed up later in the evening.

Soldiers looking for ringleaders.
They are separated from the TGH by a dry riverbed.

Gun shots rang out intermittently for the next hour. I was told the military were firing into the air to disburse the crowds. We saw some young Maasai running in the areas around the TGH and on the other side of the dry river bed. An army truck filled with soldiers followed in search of the instigators. The staff were on cell phones getting information from friends in other parts of town. We were told the ringleaders were being taken to the Police Station.

A military vehicle passes by the TGH gate.
They came prepared for violence and, luckily, little force was needed.

We knew we were safe where we were, within the TGH perimeter. We sat outside listening and watching until it was clear the situation was under control. Just before dusk Carolyne, Simon, and Angela left for home to be with their other children. Nusra and Mama Ali prepared dinner and decided to stay for the night. World Vision field workers arrived back from Ketumbeine about 9 p.m. Longido town was quiet and the tension that had filled the air earlier had dissipated.

Though lots of activity had taken place all around us and on the highway, we saw very little since the TGH is set back from the road. Throughout, traffic never really stopped on the Arusha-Nairobi Road. Once it was evident the military were present I had a feeling the situation was changing and the unrest would quickly die down. It did. At the TGH we were never really threatened or in danger.

Carolyne, holding Angela, and her husband, Simon,
wait out the unrest at the TGH.

Rosie arrived for work this morning saying she was “not good.” I knew it was about all that has been happening. Everyone will finish their work then have the rest of the day to be with their families. Einoti, also a Maasai, says this unrest and “tribal conflict” is unheard of here and this is why people are noticibly upset. They point to places in Kenya where deadly tribal warfare is known to happen. “What is happening to the world?” she asks.

For today, everyone waits and hopes. What will dialogue and listening bring?