Peace Flags… Kenya

Alex Makatia and Issac Babu Odiah (both of Kenya)
at 2004 Chess Olympiad (Mallorca, Spain). Photo by Daaim Shabazz.

As you all know, the country of Kenya is gripped in a tragic crisis. While not going into specific details, the nation is literally being torn asunder. Kenya, one of Africa’s most stable economies, has taken a turn for the worse.

I met several Kenyan chess players at the 2004 and 2006 Chess Olympiads and they were enthusiatic and filled with hope. Two years later, many of them are experiencing pain they could not have imagined. Africa has experienced her share of wars in past and present. When will the pain and suffering end? Keep the hope!