Full Swingin'

Hey friends, family, and blog-lovers!

So it’s been a while.  We haven’t updated since hitting the ground running here in the B-town.  We’ve been running for sure!  It’s been go, go, go! You wouldn’t think small town Kenya would be a sprint, but it has been.  In fact, S is out on a girl’s weekend with some of the lovely ladies here, right now.  Hopefully, she’ll have a post for ya.

The elections have kicked off here in Bungoma. (Can we think of a cool nickname for Bungoma? Bung-Town or Bung-Ville just doesn’t have much of a ring to it.)  These elections are a big deal here. Even in this backwater town, there are daily political rallies that are attended by thousands of people – though the turnout may have something to do with the payment an attendee usually gets.  Everyday, you see people with signs or crisp new t-shirts announcing their affiliation.

The little airport in Bungoma, (where you can take off in a plane but not land, curious problem – airplane factory?) has been getting more traffic than ever with politicians landing their helicopters to attend rallies in their honor.  People line the fence along the runway and watch from building tops as the big-timers land and take off. There are massive billboards around town each with a huge photo of a candidate with classy slogans like “Tomorrow Starts Today!” or “What’s His-Name – Servant of the People!” (What’s His-Name also has a cool part in his hair. A little like that one Little Rascal. You know the one. If I have my whits about me, I’ll take a picture for you this week.)  These billboards, especially the one overlooking the airport, seem to change daily, depending on which candidate is coming to town.

Bungoma is on the map!  We apparently had the candidate who is expected to place 3rd in the presidential election here last week!

So the elections are in full swing, primaries were Thursday.  You could see people walking around brandishing freshly inked pinky fingers, proof that they had voted (and couldn’t go back to vote again on the same day!).

Those of us who don’t really blend in around here are just doing our thing.  We stay out of downtown during rallies and try to stay informed of what’s happening. In B-town- so far, so go.

On another note, S has been mastering the art of riding boda-bodas (bicycle taxis) and has been making some boda friends. We’ve got to get you all a picture! She’s a pro.

So that’s all for now, more to come and hopefully some pictures!

About these ads