Kenya sends aid to Somalia after terrorist attack

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed on Tuesday announced that Kenya had sent two planes carrying 11 tonnes of assorted medicines to Mogadishu, Somalia following Saturday’s bomb attack that killed over 300 and injured many others.

Speaking to the media in Nairobi, Amina further indicated that the two planes will also fly back with 20 injured Somalis that will be treated in the county.

“This is one of the biggest attacks that has ever happened in the world in recent times and we will continue to monitor to make sure that whatever support the people of Somalia might need will be provided by us, the region and the international community” said Amina.

Further, the CS said that the government is in talks with other regional countries in a bid to come up with a way to offer all kinds of support for Somalia as it deals with its deadliest blast in her history.

Also present was Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo who reiterated Kenya’s commitment to support Somalia.

“We will continue to be a neighbour that supports the people of Somalia especially during this time,” said Omamo

Omamo was however keen to note that the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) in Somalia under AMISOM will remain since the exit strategy is tied under AMISOM.

More than 70 civilians have been airlifted to Turkey for further treatment as many were burnt beyond recognition.

Turkey has offered to send medical aid as President Tayyip Erdogan strongly condemned the attacks and will stand in solidarity with the government against terrorism.

Though no organisation has taken responsibility for the blast, the Somali government is blaming Al Shabaab terrorist group that operates from the country.

The rescue mission continues as more victims are removed from the rubble spread over hundreds of metres wide in the centre of the city.

Security has been beefed up across Mogadishu after the incident while Somalia’s President, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has declared three days of mourning for the victims of the blast.