Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has delivered much needed aid to victims of the recent volcanic eruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Hundreds of residents of Goma region in the DRC are facing serious humanitarian challenges after they were displaced when the volcanic Mt Nyiragongo erupted and spewed hot lava.
The lava flattened homes and covered farms killing at least 40 people and causing permanent displacement of people.
Goodwill messages were received from across the globe including regional friends like Kenya.
In honouring Kenya’s pledge to offer help KDF dispatched several shuttles of assorted humanitarian aid to affected families in Goma Province.
KDF supplied medicine and dried foodstuff namely; meat and meat products from the Kenya Meat Commission, onions, cabbages, potatoes carrots among others from the KDF Gilgil Food Processing Factory on behalf of the Government of Kenya.
The distribution was carried out as a civil-military cooperation initiative that will benefit the affected families.
The Kenyan Contingent was led by General Officer Commanding (GOC) Eastern Command Major General Ayub Matiiri.
He said the support to the vulnerable families was important especially at this time when DRC is facing the aftermath of the eruption.
“This barely comes after the President and the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces H.E Uhuru Kenyatta visited Congo and signed Cooperation agreements. KDF is taking up the task in that regard.” Said Maj Gen Matiiri.
Receiving the donations, Lieutenant General Constant Ndina, General Governor of North Kivu thanked the Government of Kenya for the medical and food supplies donated to them through KDF. Noting that the aid was a gift rightly delivered on time.
“I sincerely want to thank the leadership of Kenya, especially the President for this kind gesture to the disaster victims at a time that we really needed it the most. This really shows the solidarity between the Kenyan people and the Democratic Republic of Congo.” He added.
Speaking on behalf of the President of Congo, Special Advisor to the President Dr. Rodger Kamba stated that the humanitarian support demonstrated that the relationship between the two countries is growing stronger.
“This is the first African country to send two aircraft donation loads. On behalf of the President and the people of Congo, we are truly grateful,” stated Dr Kamba.”
