Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - Hundreds of Kenyans in Nairobi are queuing up to donate blood for the victims of the pipeline explosion and fire which killed a hundred people and injured 118 people in the slums of Sinai, in Nairobi (see Fides 13/9/2011). Margaret Nguku, Hope World Wide-Kenya Senior Programme Coordinator, speaking to CISA said that the response on behalf of the Kenyans has been overwhelming and very positive. "Many people have turned up to donate blood, probably donated approximately 120 pints of blood in just three hours", said Ms. Nguku who stated that the blood donation for the victims will proceed for a week.
A Red Cross representative of Kenya said that she was amazed at the number of people who turned up to donate blood, adding that it signified that Kenyans care for one another despite their tribal and political differences. Hope World Wide Kenya and the Kenya Red Cross are partners with the National Blood Transfusion Services under the Ministry of Medical services.
Meanwhile the Holy Family Basilica dedicated its Tuesday morning Mass to pray for families that lost their loved ones in the tragedy and those recuperating in hospital. The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) urged the government to put in place measures to secure areas along the pipeline and manage petroleum products to avert another tragedy. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 15/09/2011)
