AS families flee civil unrest in Kenya, an experienced International Emergency Services assessment team is en route to the neighbouring country of Uganda, from where they can prepare to deal with the consequences of the situation. The announcement of the results of the Kenyan presidential vote on 27 December resulted in a serious breakdown of law and order, with an unconfirmed death toll of up to 300.
The Kenyan Red Cross has announced that up to half a million people could soon be in need of vital humanitarian assistance. However, as the violence is ongoing, accurate figures are unavailable.
Lieut-Colonel Kenneth Hodder, The Salvation Army's Chief Secretary in Kenya reports: ‘Salvation Army officers living in the slum areas of Nairobi are being housed at a safe Salvation Army compound in the city and security at all Army facilities has been increased. We are in close contact with our divisional offices in Eldoret, Kisumu, and Kakamega, where hundreds of refugees are being sheltered and fed. Unfortunately, it is not physically possible at this point to reach those locations.'
The unrest in the western districts of Kenya has also prompted an exodus into Uganda. Officials in Malaba report that about 2,000 Kenyans have crossed into the town since the announcement of the poll result. One person said: 'We have registered 778 people but about 1,000 more are staying with relatives or in hotels around this area.'
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| People try to get fuel from a filling station in Kampala, Uganda - near The Salvation Army's headquarters for the country |
Major Eluid Nabiswa is in charge of The Salvation Army's Eastern Division in Uganda, which includes the Kenyan border. He says: 'There are large numbers of people at Malaba and Bumbo and all towns along the border. At the moment the shops still have goods for purchase but the prices are already going up. There is little petrol, which will soon have an impact on deliveries. The main needs are food, shelter and soap. Medication and clothing are also needed for some people’.
Major Mike Caffull, International Emergency Services Field Operations Officer, reports: ‘The Salvation Army already has strong presence on the ground and extensive operations in the areas impacted by the unrest. We will do all we can to support our colleagues as they bring assistance to those in need.’
