Back in Nairobbery.

Yes, it's been quite a while since we've been able to blog. However, we did go back to the States for the month of February. Damian's father, Bob, passed away of liver cancer on January 31, 2010. Bob was diagnosed around Christmas time so his battle was short and spared him of pain and discomfort. We hope to post more on our trip to Michigan to see our great, great family and friends. Unfortunate events such as Bob's passing really does bring out the best in others. We are extremely overwhelmed and grateful for the messages, support and time everyone has given to us.

We are back in Nairobi....oh crazy Nairobi....thankfully, without car....(message sent by the US Embassy in Kenya today).

On Tuesday, February 9, at about 17:45, a woman associated with ISK was carjacked on Ngecha Road in the area of the stream between Peponi and Lower Kabete Roads. She was stopped by four armed men who drove her around for two hours, stealing her jewelry, cash, phone, and bank card. The victim complied with the carjackers and was not injured. The woman was dropped off on Peponi Road, and she walked to a nearby gas station for assistance.


On Wednesday, February 17, at approximately 11:00, a Canadian citizen was carjacked and held for ransom. The incident occurred approximately 1.5 km from ISK along a dirt road leading to the Weaver Bird factory. The Canadian citizen, who resided in the community near Weaver Bird, had left his residence and was en route to the school when he was carjacked. The victim was later rescued by the authorities and released unharmed.


On Thursday, February 18, at approximately 18:00, a female U.S. citizen and her daughter were carjacked along Limuru Road heading towards Banana Hill. The carjackers rammed the victim’s vehicle, then entered the victim’s vehicle and robbed them. The victims complied and were later dropped near a gas station. The carjackers then left the area with the stolen vehicle; it is unknown if the vehicle has yet been recovered.


On Tuesday, February 23, at approximately 10:45 a female Kenyan national was robbed at gunpoint while walking her dog along the perimeter dirt road behind ISK. The lone gunman came from the bushes and demanded money from the unsuspecting victim. She complied and the gunman immediately left the scene. The victim was not physically harmed during the incident.


U.S. Embassy Nairobi advises all U.S. citizens to be alert while driving and keep a safe distance from any person(s) or vehicles acting in a suspicious manner. If you are the victim of a carjacking and held against your will, try your best to remain calm and communicate that you will comply with your captors’ demands to lower your/their anxiety. Historically, many carjacking situations in Kenya have been de-escalated by compliance and cooperation with the criminals.