Aid for Garissa attack survivors

Mortuary workers and Kenya Red Cross volunteers carry the coffin containing the body of Mildred Yondo, a student killed during an attack by gunmen at Garissa University, from the Chiromo Mortuary in the capital Nairobi. Picture: Thomas Mukoya

Mortuary workers and Kenya Red Cross volunteers carry the coffin containing the body of Mildred Yondo, a student killed during an attack by gunmen at Garissa University, from the Chiromo Mortuary in the capital Nairobi. Picture: Thomas Mukoya

Published Apr 22, 2015

Share

Nairobi - The Chinese nationals in Kenya on Tuesday donated about 67 000 US dollars to help survivors of Garissa University College terrorist attack rebuild their lives.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa said the financial assistance will inject a new lease of life to survivors and the terrorist attack that claimed 148 lives.

“The hideous attack on innocent students has left a painful scar not only in Kenya but on all peace loving people globally. In China, everyone from the top leadership to the grassroots people expressed their anger towards terrorism and sympathy to victims,” said Liu in Nairobi.

He revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang sent condolence letters to President Uhuru Kenyatta after the brutal attack on April 2.

Chinese nationals and companies operating in Kenya also responded to an emergency crises triggered by the terrorist attack by donating food, drinks and money to the families of the victims.

“The Chinese nationals living in Kenya felt the pain after the terrorist attack and organised a huge donation for the family of victims and the injured to help them recover,” said Liu, adding that ordinary citizens back in China also expressed their sympathy and support to the victims through the internet.

“The Donghua University of China that has partnered with Kenya’s Moi University to set up the fourth Confucius Institute in the country donated 8 000 dollars,” Liu disclosed.

Garissa University College is a constituent of Moi University based in Eldoret in Western Kenya.

Kenyan officials hailed the financial assistance from Chinese nationals. Principal Secretary for Education Belio Kipsang noted that Chinese nationals made the largest financial contribution towards Garissa terror victims and their families so far.

“The government is grateful to the Chinese people for standing with us during a difficult moment. The gesture signifies that our brotherhood and friendship is strong,” Kipsang said.

He revealed the education sector will partner with state agencies to address radicalisation of Kenyan youth that is to blame for the recent wave of terrorist attacks.

“We’re grateful for the donation. It is largest contribution we have received so far.”

The student survivors from Garissa University College will be readmitted at the parent school to proceed with their studies, which will be resumed from May 20, according to Richard Mibey,Vice- Chancellor of Moi University

“The contribution from Chinese people will cater for accommodation, meals and tuition for the students,” he added.

Xinhua

Related Topics: