The Kenya Red Cross Society's mission is to build capacity and respond with vigor, compassion and empathy to those affected by disaster and at risk, in the most effective and efficient manner. It works closely with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which is the world's largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in over 185 countries.
In Brief
This Information Bulletin No. 3 October/2008 reflects the information available at this time.
For further information specifically related to this operation please contact:
Mr. Abbas Gullet, Secretary General, Kenya Red Cross Society, Email; gullet.abbas@kenyaredcross.org Phone 254.20.60.35.93; 254.20.3950000 Fax 254.20.60.35.89
Dr. James Kisia, Deputy Secretary General, Kenya Red Cross Society, Email; kisia.james@kenyaredcross.org Phone 254.20.60.35.93; 254.20.3950000 Fax 254.20.60.35.89
Mr. Titus Mungou, Public Relations Officer, Kenya Red Cross Society, Email; info@kenyaredcross.org Phone 254.20.60.35.93; 254.20.3950000 Fax 254.20.60.35.89
Kenya Red Cross adheres to the Code of Conduct and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. For support to or for further information concerning the Kenya Red Cross programmes or operations, or for a full description of the Society's profile, please access the Kenya Red Cross Website at http://www.kenyaredcross.org or the Federation's Website at http://www.ifrc.org
Humanitarian Situation in Mandera: Appeal for Respect to Aid Workers
Kenya Red Cross is providing humanitarian assistance to hundreds of people in Mandera District who were affected by flash floods and clan fighting. The interventions include provision of non-food items, medical services, water and sanitation facilities.
Wave of Disasters
Mandera has faced a wave of disasters such as severe drought that has left over 115,000 people depending on relief aid. Early this month, over 5,000 people were displaced by flash floods that swept through Mandera town and its environs. The floods submerged 426 latrines and seven wells, causing acute shortage of water and sanitation-related problems.
Kenya Red Cross is working with the Government and various relief agencies in the region to address myriad problems facing the already vulnerable population. The district has also experienced sporadic clan clashes revolving around border disputes, access to water and other resources. Clan fighting in mid October 2008 left at least eight (8) people dead and 31 houses torched. Kenya Red Cross is attending to victims of the clan fighting, who require shelter, medical services and household items.
Humanitarian Workers
However, humanitarian assistance in Mandera District has encountered some setbacks. First, early this week, bandits attacked the Kenya Red Cross personnel who were returning from their work in Garissa, robbing them of their personal effects such as money and mobile phones. Most aid agencies have suspended their activities in the district citing security concerns.
Secondly, a security operation aimed at addressing insecurity started last weekend and has covered Lafey, Wargadud and Elwak areas in the district. Unfortunately, some Kenya Red Cross personnel have been affected in the operations, among them the Chairman of Mandera Branch who sustained injuries after being arrested while dressed in the Society's Red Jacket. Kenya Red Cross personnel are currently providing First Aid and transport services to people injured during today's security operations in Elwak Division. At least 35 people have been transported to Elwak Hospital for treatment.
Kenya Red Cross calls upon all parties involved either in security operations or clan conflict in Mandera District, to respect the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement, more so our personnel who are impartial and independent in their activities.