Kenya sends relief aid to Somalia in response to a deadly bombing

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Kenya has donated foodstuffs to Somalia following the devastating Al Shabaab bombings in Mogadishu that claimed the lives of 125 people.

The foodstuffs were delivered by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

The consignment was flagged off by the Commandant VIP Wing at the Embakasi Airport terminal Colonel Victor Kang’ethe who said KDF was privileged to be given the opportunity to deliver the relief food donated by Kenyans.

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

The consignment included assorted food items such as corned beef, dry potatoes, onions, bread, carrots, and mixed vegetables from the KDF Food Processing Factory.

Also included in the package were various assorted drugs from the KDF Directorate of Medical Services set for redistribution to Somali hospitals.

The foodstuffs were received by Kenya’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Somalia Ambassador Thomas Chepkuto alongside Somali officials.
“We condemn those who carried out the heinous attack and empathize with the families who lost their loved ones. And to those who were injured we wish them a quick recovery. We shall continue supporting the Federal Government of Somalia in the war against Al Shabaab militia," Chepkuto said.

Somalia bomb blasts

Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for Saturday's blasts, Somalia's deadliest since a truck bomb killed more than 500 people at the same location five years ago.

The first of the explosions hit the education ministry at around 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 29. The second hit minutes later as ambulances arrived and people gathered to help the victims.

Explosions hit the education ministry at around 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 29. The second hit minutes later as ambulances arrived and people gathered to help the victims.