This is a special entry asking for your prayers for this country. We did not know when we planned the dates for this trip that on August 4th there is going to be a special referendom in the country. The current constitution is old and allows for land to remain in a non-citizen's possession for 999 years. This dates back to British colonization. There is a new proposed constitution that would only allow the land to be held for 99 years. The new constitution would also restrict the amount of land allowed to be owned by one person. Currently there are huge amounts of land that are owned by a few people, much of it gained by corruption. Of course, these people will be voting "no" to the new constitution. Polykens is in the "yes" camp, meaning he will vote yes for the new constitution. He desires more equitable land ownership among the people. This is important for a nation that has a population larger than that of Canada, and only a small fraction of the land area (Kenya is maybe the size of New Brunswick).
There have been demonstrations by the yes camps and the no camps, and bad feelings between them. Polykens is afraid that violence will erupt once more in Kenya. He feels that no matter which side wins, some people will use it as an excuse for looting and violence.
We will be in the Masai Mara on the day of the election, but will return to Nairobi on the day after the referendom. If the results are released, we may be in the midst of some trouble. Please pray for our safety, and for calmness among the nation.
Sent from my BlackBerry device.
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