Nairobi, Kenya - Two days before a national referendum, UPF-Kenya organized a Peace Campaign on August 2 that included planting trees symbolizing the various faith communities in Kenya. Trees were planted representing Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Brahma Kumaris. The Nigerian ambassador to Kenya expressed his hopes for a peaceful referendum as he dedicated a tree of peace. Representatives of the various faith communities joined in prayers for peace.
Note: A referendum on a proposed constitution was scheduled on August 4. The last time Kenya conducted a national vote, the country was thrown into chaos. The disputed presidential election in December 2007 led to more 1000 deaths and hundreds of thousands pushed off their land. Since the signing of a national peace accord that created a power-sharing arrangement between the two leading presidential candidates, Kenya has been relatively stable. But the accord set up a temporary structure that called for many reforms, including a new constitution. The new constitution passed by a wide margin. Among other things, it delegates more power to local governments and gives Kenyans a bill of rights.
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