ActionAid supporting relief efforts in the Kenya post-election crisis
The international development charity ActionAid has called on Kenya's political leaders to end the post-election bloodshed and work together for peace. Austcare joined the ActionAid global network as an Associate in 2007.
The official death toll from the post-election violence in Kenya stands at 486, with an estimated 255,686 people displaced from their homes.
Women, children and the elderly continue to bear the brunt of the crisis, and there is an urgent need for food, medicine, water and shelter.
The Rift Valley province has been particularly badly affected by the recent outbreak of violence, and saw fresh protests yesterday in the wake of President Mwai Kibaki's announcement of a partial cabinet. Many people in the areas of Eldoret, Kericho, Kapenguria and Nakuru and Kitale have seen their houses, business premises and farms torched during the skirmishes, with affected families being forced to flee their homes under police and military escort.
In the West province fierce fighting between the police and youths has been reported. In the Coast province, homes and business have been burnt and tourists have fled. In the capital Nairobi, over 3000 people have taken refuge in Jamhuri Park. The slum areas of Kibera, Korogocho, Huruma and Mathare have also been badly affected.
Roger Yates, ActionAid's head of emergencies and acting country director in Kenya, said: "Kenyan people have lost faith in the democratic process, and across the country, it is poor people who are suffering the worst of the resulting violence.
"This bloodshed must end now. There is no cause whatsoever that can justify the shedding of innocent blood and wanton destruction of property."
To help end the crisis created by suspicion of election irregularities, ActionAid is calling for:
- Both sides of the political divide to put aside their differences in the interest of the public, and work together to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace in the country.
- Use all means possible to restore confidence in the democratic processes and institutions.
- The government and security forces to move with speed to ensure that displaced people and those at risk are safe and have access to humanitarian assistance.
- Political parties, their supporters and the government to respect the role of humanitarian organisations and allow them space to provide assistance to affected people.
ActionAid is currently working with other agencies to respond to immediate needs of displaced people in Mombasa and Nairobi, while supporting peace initiatives.