Buzzing Nairobi paints false picture of unrest

Nairobi: Apart from a permanent police presence outside the Orange Democratic Movement's headquarters, there is little evidence of the political unrest in Nairobi.

Shops have reopened and are restocked and it seems to be business as usual. Bars and restaurants are once again buzzing with people. But, after visiting Jamhuri Park and the thousands of men, women and children gathered there after fleeing Kibera - the slum which was the main target of the violence - it is clear all is not well.

Martin Murithi, a 23 year old Kikuyu has been there for 10 days now. Speaking of the Odinga supporters, he said: "I haven't been back to Kibera, if they see me they will kill me". Martin didn't manage to save anything. He has lost both his house and business - a small shop that sold clothes.

Steven Gachie, a volunteer in the makeshift kitchen set up for the crisis, said he was one of the first to come to the park. He and his wife cooked at home and brought food to the displaced. There is now a task force of 120 people in the kitchen and he said donations have been plentiful. "The response has been overwhelming." People of all ages, races and tribes have come to help.

Sam Nyaga a Kenyan volunteer said: "As a Kenyan it's not right to see fellow brothers and sisters in this situation."

Three of the most respected former African leaders arrived in Nairobi yesterday to try and mediate talks between Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki. But before the talks started Kibaki began to announce his cabinet and renewed violence broke out in the western part of the country.