If you're moved to donate to Kenyan relief

Sukuma Kenya was set up a few weeks ago by Dipesh Pabari, close friend, dedicated Kenyan journalist and activist. It's the charity I recommend to everyone who asks where they can donate to ease the suffering of displaced Kenyans. First, because I can personally vouch that EVERY PENNY you donate, beyond transaction fees, goes directly to the relief effort. All those involved are volunteers - no overhead costs.

Secondly, because it channels the relief efforts through a Kisumu organization, Ladies in Action, that has been in operation for several years. The Ladies in Action are all long-term Kisumu residents (many were born there) who have chosen not to flee the crisis. They know Kisumu better than any outside relief organization.

And why donate to Kisumu, rather than all the other areas of Kenya in dire need? Words from another dear friend, Yvonne Adhiambo, 2004 winner of the Caine Prize for African Writing:

Given the extraordinary force applied by the Government against Kisumu, the damage to the town, its businesses and morale is so extensive, it will take at least fifteen years of work for Kisumu to return to its 2007 standards. It looks like a bombed out crater, a town that has been immersed in a long and terrible civil war. The despair of the business community is tangible. The spirit that made Kisumu one of the most interesting worlds to inhabit is shattered. People are trying to make do with almost nothing. The major appeals for help are not easily accessible there.

On the other hand, I believe that the mobilisation of minds, hearts, and imagination can build out of chaos and destruction something new, transcendent and meaningful. There is no greater revenge than success. Vietnam did it. South Korea did it.

Here is Dipesh's appeal:

How many more must die? How many more must lose their homes, their farms, their livelihoods? The weekend was a bloodbath in Nakuru and Naivasha. I spoke to a close friend in Nakuru who is huddled in a house with others as they listen to the screams of people who were once friends calling for their blood. Already two of her aunts were killed in the earlier violence in Burnt Forest. Kisumu was ablaze again.

As the people fight a battle against themselves instead of against years of exploitation by the very leaders we vote for, the Ladies in Action continue to feed. My mother founded the Ladies in Action several years ago to help orphans and elderly people primarily. When the post-election crises broke out we created Sukuma Kenya to reach out through our friends for Ladies in Action.

We have had an amazing response from people around the world. In just three weeks, we collected £5000! Most of it has been used up to buy food items in bulk such as maize flour, cooking oil, sugar and also blankets and medical supplies. With the escalating problem, Ladies in Action need more help. Please spread the word or make a small donation online. Ladies in Action are a registered charity in Kenya and are affiliated to the Jersey Overseas Aid Network.