Foreigners weigh up Kenya risks

Foreign aid workers and holiday makers currently in Kenya are having to decide whether to stay or leave areas affected by post-election violence. Ellen Petry Leanse is a US aid worker: “They are living in fear. We leave with hope. We leave them in fear. The word I hear more than any other word, in the town of Oregi is Rwanda. they feel that fear of tribe turning against tribe and of the consequences that would happen if that comes.”

Many countries are advising their citizens not to make any trips to Kenya unless it is absolutely crucial. It seems that many organised tourist operations in places far from where the trouble has broken out have decided to stay for now.

But some people arriving at Nairobi airport say they’ve decided not to take any risks. Stuart Dickson, a tourist from Canada, said: “We are leaving early because of the riots and how dangerous it is to be out on the streets, with shops being closed and things it is not the best place for a tourist or traveller to be right now.”

Foreign diplomats say if the violence continues to spread they will organise special flights to evacuate their nationals.

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