Why Kenya?
Been there 3 times and never met a single Mooslim ... People were very friendly, they gave me there addresses and I sent them Michael Jackson cassettes (then again this was back in the 70’s and 80’s)
Enjoyed every minute, everyone spoke better English than I, saw Lions, Giraffe, Hippos and you name it. Rented one of those VW “Things” and drove all over the place ... stayed at the Voi (sp) Lodge and had humongous breakfasts of every kinda animal meat and sausage. They even had an underground viewing area of a waterhole where you could watch what African Animals do at Waterholes .. went to Masai Villages (that was kinda Disney cause in Mombasa those same folks wore Suits and carried Briefcases)
Nothing but good memories from Kenya.
TT
I read a book about an Italian woman, a writer, who fell in love with a man and moved with him to Kenya, Nairobi, I believe. That was ten years ago.
In a magazine, Elle I believe, she continues her story that she broke up with the man but she stayed in their house in the wilderness. They had faithful servants, Muslims. And twice when she lent out her house to groups of friends, they were robbed and one man died trying to protect the people in the house.
She says that the servants were horrified, and she herself, cannot bring herself to the conclusion that they were complicit in the murder and armed robberies. But she left the house to a hunter, who did not repair the signs of violence and let it decline. And so far, no one has molested him there.
Kenya was once a British colony (1888–1962) and it still has a strong Christian and somewhat Westernized society among the Kikuyu majority tribe. But like everywhere else with a Christian or Western ethic, it has been subjected to targeting by islamist infiltrators.
Why Kenya? It’s a good question. According to wikipedia, religious demographics show 70% of Kenyans are either Protestant or Roman Catholic. Muslims are 11%. I wonder what the percentage of Muslims was back when you made your visits in the 70s and 80s. Perhaps much lower?
I suspect there may be some population tipping point where the Muslims gain enough of a foothold that the fanatics become emboldened.
By the way, I envy your wonderful travel memories, and enjoyed reading about them.
Sigh...I have always wanted to safari in Africa. I love wildlife, especially to see big cats in the wild, nature, and the people seem to be quite friendly. My local zoo has trips once a year where you can go with a group and they plan everything except the air travel. You stay in about 3-4 different places during that time, some sound exotic and others primitive like a backpacking adventure. The only thing holding me back (well besides second-guessing if I can afford to put out the money) is that I work nights/sleep days so how much could I get out of it traipsing around with no sleep. I’m crabby as hell unless decently-rested.