Contact: In Los Angeles Stephanie Bowen (310)826-7800

In Washington Natalia Cieslik (202)828-5155

January 2, 2008, Nairobi, Kenya/Los Angeles, CA -- After days of widespread violence following disputed presidential elections last week 300 people are reported dead and about 100,000 displaced all over Kenya. Many homes have been destroyed and businesses looted in brutal clashes between political opponents and marauding gangs. According to media reports, the Nairobi Women's Hospital reports a sharp increase in rape cases as a result of indiscriminate violence and lawlessness in some parts of the country.

One of the hardest hit areas is Kibera, a vast slum in Nairobi. International Medical Corps (IMC) provides treatment for tuberculosis patients and supports HIV/AIDS infected mothers with food and income-generating programs. Services were supposed to resume after the holidays but have been delayed due to the security situation in Kibera. "People are not able to come to the IMC clinic to get their TB medication and our staff cannot get to our patients out of fear," says Peter McOdida, IMC country director in Kenya. "If TB patients default on their treatment, they will have to restart the course and could eventually develop a drug resistance."

Currently, all International Medical Corps activities are experiencing delays including large HIV/AIDS programs in Suba District in western Kenya and water and sanitation programs in Sambura District, in the northwest. "Our staff cannot safely reach the project sites. We are now planning to reopen next week," says McOdida.

Roadblocks by security forces and gangs are hindering people from moving freely. Aid workers are struggling to get a clear picture of the needs around the country. Many women and children are sleeping at police stations out of fear that their neighborhood might be targeted during the night. IMC staff reports widespread displacement within Nairobi where about 3,000 families whose homes have been destroyed are now settling in Jamhuri Park.

International election observers have raised concerns about the vote counting process and implied serious irregularities that are now fuelling the violence. In a preliminary report the EU observation mission says the elections have fallen short of key international and regional standards for democratic elections. With violence continuing, several international diplomatic initiatives are trying to help solve the political deadlock

International Medical Corps, which has delivered humanitarian and development programs in Kenya since 1998, is closely monitoring the situation and is preparing to respond as appropriate. "We are assessing the situation and will see how best to help the displaced," says Peter McOdida.