Red Cross appeals for blood donation in Nyanza

The Kenya Red Cross Society on Friday announced a blood donation drive in parts of Nyanza region even as violence in certain areas continues to mar the repeat presidential poll.

In a statement signed by Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Abbas Gullet, the humanitarian society called for what it termed an “emergency response” in the country for patients in need of blood transfusion.

“In response to the appeal for blood put forth by the Regional Blood Transfusion Center in Kisumu and in response to the ongoing emergency response in the country, the Kenya Red Cross Society urgently appeals for blood donation,” said Dr. Gullet.

The statement listed blood transfusion centers in Kisumu, Kisii and Busia counties as venues where the blood donation drive would be done.

On Saturday morning, Red Cross confirmed that a blood donation drive had began in Migori, a major political hotspot where a class two pupil was shot and wounded  on Friday, October 27, during a confrontation between police and protesters in the region.

Election protests have been seen in opposition strongholds with some areas escalating to violence in confrontations with police.

A statement released by Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinett, on Thursday confirmed that police have been involved in running battles with poll protesters, resulting in deaths and several injuries to both protesters and police officers.

“There were minor security incidents reported in some parts of Nairobi, Busia and Mombasa counties. All these incidents were instigated by gangs of youths barricading roads, lighting bonfires to prevent IEBC staff from conducting the elections. Counties that reported serious incidents include Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori,” read the statement.

Security concerns have been a factor behind the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission indefinitely postponing elections in Kisumu, Migori, Siaya and Homa Bay counties in the Nyanza region.

“Yesterday some of our staff were hijacked, tortured, in some areas, some of their homes broken into and looted, others were forbidden and violently prevented from reporting to their polling stations and were literally chased away. Some had to take refuge in police stations up to now as we speak,” Wafula Chebukati, the IEBC Chair said.