United Kenyans of Chicago

On Sunday January 8th 2008, in response to the crisis that erupted after the December 2007 Presidential election in Kenya, United Kenyans of Chicago held a rally in downtown Chicago. The purpose of the rally was to call for an end to the violence, political reconciliation and for the unity of all Kenyans, regardless of ethnicity or class. The rally drew more than 200 people. Prayers were said in 9 languages (including Luo, Kikuyu, Meru, Gujurati) and resulted in a resolution that was sent to both President Mwai Kibaki and then opposition leader Raila Odinga. Among those present were US Congressman Danny Davis, Alderman Ed Smith, State of Illinois Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Chief Dr. Edwin Silverman and Mr. Sean Harden representing City of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, who sent a message of support for the rally. Representatives from the City of Dixon Sister City Association were also present. The rally was widely covered by the Chicago media, both in print and TV.

During the month of February 2008, UKC partnered with the Illinois Humanities Council Cafe Society to present a series of Kenya focused forums titled “Democracy in Dire Straits: Will there be another genocide in Africa?” during the height of the post election crisis. The forums featured lively discussions on the genesis of the Kenya crisis, underlying issues and common misconceptions of African geopolitics. UKC’s speakers were Mukila Maitha, Ronald Bukusi and Peter Wawire. Jane Kimondo from the Crossroads Fund was also a forum speaker. Click here to see more

Annual Pamoja (Unity) Campaign Starts – In order to promote healing and to provide a space for the Kenyan community to grieve and reflect on the events that engulfed the country United Kenyans of Chicago NFP held a series of community forums where those who attended had an open platform to talk about how the crisis had affected them directly or indirectly.  The forums provided an opportunity to discuss the factors that contributed to the crisis and to examine whether some of those factors (ethnic bias for instance) were alive and well in our communities abroad. It was also a opportunity for UKC to make friends beyond the City of Chicago. Meetings were held in Chicago, Zion, Schaumburg, Romeoville and DeKalb. UKC turned this series of meetings into an annual program.