A Beyond Zero initiative mobile clinic that was torched by protesters in Kibra after announcement of presidential results. [Photo/Festus Chuma]
Since last evening, August 11, 2017, parts of Nairobi and Nyanza experienced a breakout of violence, where young rioters engaged the police in running battles.
As a result, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) responded to a total of 93 causalities that sustained various injuries and who received pre-hospital medical care and medical evacuations.
In Nairobi County, the casualties included, 9 cases in Kibera and 27 cases in Mathare 4A and Mathare North, and who were evacuated to the Kenyatta National Hospital, Aga Khan Kenya University Hospital and M.P. Shah Hospital by KRCS vehicles and E-Plus ambulances.
In Kisumu County, similar incidences were reported in Kondele, Manyatta and Car Wash areas, where 14 cases were attended to by KRCS and evacuated to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
An additional 12 cases were reported in Migori County, five cases in Homa Bay County and one in Busia County. Due to the intense protests and safety concerns, more than 2,000 KRCS personnel experienced difficulties accessing in parts of Nairobi and Nyanza, and were initially unable to respond promptly.
The personnel managed to access these areas in the early hours of the morning and responded to multiple emergency cases. In some areas, the KRCS personnel encountered youth manning various road blocks, but were later guaranteed access upon realising it was the Kenya Red Cross Society.
We call upon the general public to support the KRCS emergency responses to affected areas so as to enable the smooth execution of our mandate of alleviating human suffering.
At the same time, continuous assessments in areas affected by protests is ongoing with a view to establishing the extent of the humanitarian needs.
We further reiterate, as per our previous Statement posted online, that KRCS did not supply any body bags to the Kenya police, any person or institution. The KRCS emergency lines are open both day and night.
Kenyans can report any emergencies from any part of the country by calling the following Hotlines: 1199 or +254-700-395-395 / 254 738-395-395.
Emergencies may also be reported using the Twitter #ivolunteer and our official handle @KenyaRedCross. We urge all Kenyans to uphold peace across the country.
Press statement by Abbas Gullet, Kenya Red Cross secretary general.