Thousands of Kenyans fleeing to rural safety ahead of potentially violent election

Kenyans living in slums and areas recently declared ‘violent hotspots’ are leaving in droves to their rural areas and other places they consider safer as election draws near.

Busloads of Kenyans have been ferrying residents of Kibera, Mukuruwe, Mathare, Korogocho, Langas (Eldoret), Kimumu (Eldoret), Kiambaa (Eldoret) and many other areas.

The displacement, out of fear of the unknown, is worrying both sides of the coalitions as those fleeing are deciding to forgo voting to stay alive.

Chilling murder of IEBC ICT official Chris Msando has polluted the environment even more, with clearest indications yet that the outcome of next week’s polls will be violently contested with whichever side loses.

Chances of a peaceful outcome are dimmer, despite best efforts of the international community, led by the US and UK diplomatic peace efforts.

Both President Uhuru and NASA Leader Raila Odinga have pledged to concede peacefully, but only if either loses fairly.