Mombasa is the primary port leading to Kenya's coastal resorts. The turmoil this year is similar to ethnic and political violence that rocked Kenya's Rift Valley region in 1992 when Moi authorized Kenya's first multiparty elections since taking office. About 1,500 people were killed, and 350,000 people had to flee their homes in the mayhem five years ago. Commentators suggest that Kenya is reaching a crisis situation and that the church must play its part in finding a solution. Mbugguss says every Kenyan has been affected by the political crisis, in which dozens have been killed.
Workers stay away from offices, and children are being kept out of schools.
Leaders of mainline churches, such as Anglican Archbishop David Gitari and NCCK General Secretary Mutava Musyimi, have in particular been singled out by the authorities, who say they have stepped out of bounds by treading too openly in the political opposition's camp. In August, Muslims who took part in efforts to help bring the government and opposition together on constitutional talks threatened to withdraw because Gitari, Musyimi, and other church leaders on the team of facilitators or mediators seemed to be partisan. Muslims returned after being assured that the chair of the team would be rotated. Bishop Arthur Kitonga of the Redeemed Gospel Church, an AEA board member, is representing the Evangelical Fellowship of Kenya in the talks. Okoronkwo says it is not surprising that political leaders look to the church for advice.