South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2006 | March | 10
From the archive, first published Friday 10th Mar 2006.
FORMER Almondsbury antiques dealer Graham Pendrill, who has started a new life in Kenya, is "lying low" after making stinging attacks on "corrupt" politicians in the drought-hit African state.
He was been warned to keep his head down after penning hard-hitting anti-Government commentaries for the Kenya national press.
Articles critical of the country's political regime recently led to police raids on newspaper offices in Nairobi in an alleged crackdown on press freedom.
"I was flying back to the UK anyway to sort out the sale of my house but I was advised not to hurry back to Kenya until things have cooled down a little," said Mr Pendrill, 57, a former Almondsbury parish councillor.
"Political corruption at the highest levels is endemic over there and I have written some pretty outspoken articles on the subject for the Daily Nation and The Standard. Someone told me that my name has probably been noted by somebody and that it might be a good idea to wait a little longer before going back.
"Having said that, I don't think my personal safety or freedom are at risk and I shall certainly be returning. Most of the politicians are arrogant and self serving but I just love the ordinary people."
He added: "Despite everything I now feel much more comfortable over there than I do in the UK."
Mr Pendrill said drought conditions in the area where he had been staying with friends were now so serious that there was genuine suffering.
"The people have already lost their cattle and now their goats are dying as well," he said. "Some parts of the country have been reduced to a dust bowl. I paid for a tanker to take water round to some of the villages at Christmas.
"I had been intending to start a farming operation in the area but with no sign of the drought ending I may have to change that plan. It really is very sad."
While in Nairobi Mr Pendrill met Kenyan singing star Joseph Kamaru who has invited him to join him on a new recording for the European market.
"His songs often carry a political message and he's phenomenally popular in Kenya," said Mr Pendrill. "I tracked him down via a record store he owns and to cut a long story short we ended up singing together. He said he really liked my voice and I hope to be joining him in the recording studio when I get back.
My life has certainly changed."
© Newsquest Media Group 2008