by SHARON MWENDE

Kenya has donated an emergency aid package to the government of Somalia following Saturday’s twin bomb attack.

The bombing claimed 125 lives and left more than 300 injured.

The consignment delivered to Mogadishu by the Kenya Defence Forces included assorted food items such as corned beef, dry potatoes, onions, bread, carrots, and mixed vegetables among others.

There were also drugs to be distributed among the Somali hospitals attending to the victims of the attack.

Speaking on Thursday at Embakasi during the relief send-off, the Commandant VIP wing at the Embakasi airport terminal, Colonel Victor Kang’ethe, said KDF was privileged to be delivering the aid.

“We feel the pain that our brothers and sisters in Somalia are feeling, and we are grateful to his excellency President William Ruto for this initiative which will help alleviate the suffering of our neighbours,” he said.

The consignment was received at the Aden Abdulle Airport by Kenya’s Ambassador to Somalia Thomas Chepkuto who said the partnership is critical in the fight against terrorism.

“We condemn those who carried out the heinous attack and empathize with the families that lost their loved ones. To those who were injured we wish them quick recovery,” he said as he assured of Kenya’s continued support in the war against the Al Shabaab militia.

At the same time, Somalia Ministers Alhaji  Adam Abubakar (Health) and Daudi Awess (Information) lauded the government of Kenya and the people at large for the humanitarian support.

They said the spirit of brotherhood showed in the act will assist in the recovery of the Saturday victims.

“We thank Kenya’s President William Ruto for heeding with speed to the call for assistance by our President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud noting that the closeness between the two nations is crucial in the pursuit of peace and security in Somalia,” Awess said.

On Saturday Ruto pledged to support the country in healing.

“The people of Kenya stand with Somalia following terrorist attacks that claimed over 100 lives. We commit to working with other countries to ensure peace and security prevail in the region,” he tweeted.

Source: The Star