Kenya violence targets Gujaratis VADODARA: Ever since post-election riots broke out in Kenya, the Gujarati diaspora there has been living in fear. Although no lives have been lost, there has been massive damage to property and businesses owned by Indians, particularly Gujaratis.
In the small town of Kisumu near Nairobi, almost three out of every four businesses owned by Indians have been burnt down, residents said. Many Indians have been holed up in temples for the past two days and are gradually running out of food.
There are close to one lakh Indians in Kenya with 3,000 in Kisumu, the worst-hit town. Kisumu is the stronghold of defeated presidential challenger Raila Odinga. His party, the Orange Democratic Movement, has accused President Mwai Kibaki of rigging the elections. Kibaki won after results were declared on Sunday. Since then, some 300 people have been killed in widespread violence across the country.
Anand Rana, a resident of Kisumu, said, "The town has come to a standstill. Supermarkets and shops are charred beyond recognition. Most Gujaratis are staying in the Swaminarayan temple in Kisumu. We ventured out on Tuesday to take stock of the situation. Almost three-fourths of Indian businesses have incurred huge losses."
Amit Shah, who lives in Nairobi, said the situation was grim on the outskirts of the capital. "The riots have resulted in massive damage to Indian properties." Shail Patel from Nairobi, who is in Gujarat now, said things are under c
RE:cheap Rediff gives foolish news only
by MP on Jan 02, 2008 07:37 PM Permalink
Gujaratis in Africa deserve their faight. They suppressed the natives for ages and explited them like slaves.
The natives have come of age now and have realised their rights and ownership of their country. Hence what ever is happenning was bound to happen.
Not only gujaratis, but the whites are facing the same situation. The only thing different is that the British govt is trying to save them by negotiating with the african govts. Where as our govt is a coward and spineless entity.
RE:cheap Rediff gives foolish news only
by super success on Jan 02, 2008 07:24 PM Permalink
i think gujaratis were not target at all ,media is creating its own story .ya there are violence but target is not particular community
