Aid agency back on ground in Kenya
Aid agency Goal is back on the ground in Kenya with workers distributing vital supplies to thousands of families left in dire need, it emerged today.
The charity was forced to evacuate its development staff from the capital Nairobi earlier this month amid an escalation of tribal violence following a disputed election.
Around 70,000 residents were displaced and hundreds killed as rioting continued in the east African country.
The death toll included dozens of people who were burned alive as they sought refuge in a church.
Tribal violence flared again today with mobs burning down around half the settlement of Total Station, killing at least two people.
Goal’s emergency workers moved in to the region and through its humanitarian assistance programme have been targeting two of the worst affected areas in the informal settlements of Nairobi and Londiani in the Rift Valley Province.
In addition, the aid agency has mobilised a health team in the Nairobi slums to offer additional support and supply essential medical supplies to existing health facilities which are struggling to meet demands.
Staff on the ground said they have identified 2,500 homeless families.
“GOAL has been distributing essential household items which many families have lost as a direct result of the disturbances,” said a spokesman.
“These household kits include blankets, plastic sheeting used for shelter, cooking equipment, jerry cans for carrying and storing water, mosquito nets and hygiene kits.
“So far, GOAL has identified 2,500 families who are among the worst affected, having lost their homes and are in desperate need of these essential assets.”
Hatred between ethnic groups in the east African country intensified as President Mwai Kibaki, from the Kikuyu tribal group, was sworn in for a second term following a vote critics said was rigged sparking random attacks and violence.
It is estimated around 30 members of President Kibaki’s Kikuyu ethnic group were burned alive as they sought refuge in a church in Eldoret in the west of the country.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is still advising Irish citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Kenya, given the political unrest in the country.
Those who have to travel are warned to stay clear of slum areas and not travel to western Kenya.
