In a show of solidarity with Turkey, the Kenyan government has issued an appeal to citizens to come forward and offer material support to the earthquake-stricken nation. On Tuesday, February 7, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, made a heartfelt plea during a press briefing, urging Kenyans to come forward and donate foodstuffs, clothing, financial support, and medical aid.
The Call to Action
In his plea, Mutua revealed that the government would set up collection points across the country where people could drop off their donations. He urged Kenyans to come forward and support the earthquake victims with fast-moving goods such as coffee, tea, groundnuts, and other essentials. Mutua also revealed that the Foreign Affairs Ministry was working with other agencies to send a search and rescue team to Turkey, and promised to support the Turkish government with rescue experts.
President Ruto Mourns with Turkey
On Tuesday, February 6, President William Ruto expressed his condolences to the people of Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquake. In his statement, the President mourned with families who have lost loved ones and wished all those injured a quick recovery. As of Wednesday, February 8, at least 5,894 people in Turkey and 2,032 people in Syria have lost their lives.
The government has assured the public that it was yet to receive any report on casualties or fatalities involving Kenyan citizens. Mutua urged any Kenyan stuck in Turkey to reach out for help via the emergency number +905385020960. With this call to action, Kenya joins the international community in condoling with Turkey and offering support in this hour of need.
