Below is the entry to the church compound that was burned to the group with 35 women and children trapped inside. There were no men inside because they were outside the church trying to defend their families, but they were overpowered by a group of about 300 youths. It was New Year’s Day 2008.
This is what is left of the church, viewed from the front and from the side.
The officers keeping guard at the village said that many of the bodies were burned beyond recognition. Below are a few images that I will never forget.
This was near the gate. This kid was trying to run away but did not make it.
The house below backs up to the church property. It is made of cement, so although the roof and insides were burned out, the walls still stand. Some plain clothes officers are living there, keeping vigil over the village.
What really impressed me was the writing on the wall, left just before the owner of the house relocated to Nakuru.
This house will one day be a symbol of forgiveness. It will be so.
We did not need politics to do this to each other. Hatred is all we needed.
It's a bit hard to read, but this one summarizes it well: I forgive you.
We are meeting with the owner of the house on Friday to share stories and try to encourage one another. Since our court date is Friday (4/4), we hope we will have good news to celebrate rather than yet another cancellation. But either way, this woman has already spoken volumes to our hearts....and given us a bit of perspective.
