On Thursday, November 3, Somalia received a military plane full of foodstuffs from neighbouring Kenya.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), in a statement issued on the same day, explained that the donation was emergency food sent to aid residents who were attacked in Mogadishu.
Somalia’s capital city suffered multiple bombings allegedly orchestrated by the Al Shabaab militant group. Reports indicated that 125 people died, with over 300 injured.
Speaking while flagging off the plane at the Embakasi Commandant VIP wing, Colonel Victor Kang’ethe, pointed out that KDF was privileged to be allowed to deliver the relief assistance donated by Kenyans.
“We feel the pain that our brothers and sisters in Somalia are feeling and we are grateful to President William Ruto for this initiative which will help alleviate the suffering of our neighbours,” Kang’ethe stated.
The consignment included assorted food items such as corned beef, dry potatoes, onions, bread, carrots, and mixed vegetables from the KDF Food Processing Factory.
“Moreover, the package contained assorted drugs from the KDF Directorate of Medical Services set for redistribution to Somali hospitals attending to the victims,” Kang’ethe’s statement read in part.
The shipment was received by Somali Minister for Health Dr Alihaji Abubakar, his Minister Information counterpart Daudi Awess and Kenya’s ambassador to Somalia, Thomas Chepkuto, at the Aden Abdulle airport.
“We thank President Ruto for responding positively and urgently to the call for assistance by our President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, noting that the closeness between the two nations is crucial in the pursuit of peace and security in Somalia,” Awess added.
On his part, Ambassador Chepkuto condemned the attack and sympathised with the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
The envoy reaffirmed Kenya’s support for the Federal Government of Somalia in the war against the Al Shabaab militia.
