Mourning Doreen Ruto: Reflections from George Wachira
Dear Florence, Colleagues, Apologies for this long email. From the distance, it is the least I can do to mourn and celebrate Doreen Ruto. I learnt of Doreen's passing with a deep sense of loss and sadness. It is a truly confounding loss: for her family, country, and professional colleagues around the world. I extend my condolences to all her work colleagues, friends and family. I particularly convey my sympathy to her children Biko and Kiptoo. Their pain and bewilderment must be profound. May we all embrace them with supportive care. I got to know Doreen in early 2008 when she called me on phone and introduced herself. At the time Kenya was in the throes of the unprecedented post-2007 elections crisis and violence. Working out of the Serena Hotel for most of that period, I was part of a group of Kenyans who quickly came together under the banner of Concerned Citizens for Peace (CCP) to try whatever we could do to pull the country back from the precipice. During that season ...