Red Cross, Jungle Foundation assist Thika fire victims

Kenya Red Cross officials on August 22, 2017 sort out items donated to Thika’s Umoja estate fire victims. Jungle Foundation, run by MP-elect Patrick Wainaina, also gave donations to the victims. PHOTO | MARY WAMBUI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Red Cross donated tents, kitchenware, toiletries, clothing and blankets to the victims.
  • Jungle Foundation gave out blankets and mattresses to each of the affected families.
  • The two organisations, in conjunction with the local administration have in the last two days mapped out emergency relief efforts.

Scores of families who were left homeless after a fire consumed their houses at Umoja estate in Thika have received assistance from the Kenya Red Cross Society and the Jungle Foundation, which is run by Thika Town MP-elect Patrick Wainaina.

The victims who have been sheltered at Umoja social hall in Thika had earlier asked for assistance from well-wishers after losing all their belongings in the fire whose cause is yet to be established.

Red Cross donated tents, kitchenware, toiletries, clothing and blankets to the victims while Jungle Foundation gave out blankets and mattresses to each of the affected families.

A few well-wishers also donated foodstuffs to the victims.

EMERGENCY RELIEF

The two organisations, in conjunction with the local administration have in the last two days mapped out emergency relief efforts and support for the victims with the Red Cross emergency response volunteers also providing emotional support to the affected families.

Some of the victims of a fire that broke out at Umoja estate in Thika await to receive donations from the Red Cross and Jungle Foundation. PHOTO | MARY WAMBUI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Red Cross Central Region Manager Gitonga Mugambi cautioned residents to always take precaution when handling fire from any source.

He said the society will continue educating the public on disaster prevention measures and management.

MORE HELP SOUGHT

He called on local leaders to give further assistance to the affected families especially at this time when parents are preparing their children to go back to school.

“When something like this happens it is only natural that some people will want to help. We are requesting the county government and other well-wishers to compliment the help received so far,” said Mr Gitonga.

Mr Wainaina's personal assistant John Mwangi Njuguna said the foundation will work with all stakeholders to ensure the victims are able to resume their normal lives with minimal hitches.

"We understand the pain these people are going through especially those who lost everything. We are doing all we can to help them recover. We hope the assistance offered will help towards rebuilding their lives," said Mwangi.