The Kenya Red
Cross has been "absolutely central" to the humanitarian response to the violence that has gripped Kenya since the general election. Violence erupted again at the weekend, raising the death
toll to more than 800 according to reports, and increasing concerns that the number of people displaced and affected in other ways will rise further.An estimated 250,000 have fled their homes as a
result of the violent clashes that have swept Kenya since 30 December.There is an incredible amount of reliance on and respect for the Red Cross in KenyaChris Hurford, British Red
CrossBritish Red Cross delegate Chris Hurford recently returned from the capital Nairobi where he saw at first hand the Kenya Red Cross in action."The Kenya Red Cross is the first and
biggest distributor of aid in the country," he reported. "Their disaster response mechanisms are first class. The Kenya Red Cross have action teams that often went through the tear gas to the
scene of the troubles. They are, in my mind, all heroic."Kenyan refugees in UgandaChris added that despite the fact that the violence is embroiled with ethnic issues, the Red
Cross has remained neutral and is not identified with one side or the other."There is an incredible amount of reliance on and respect for the Red Cross in Kenya."Around 5,000 refugees
from the conflict are living in eastern Uganda, which borders with Kenya.Kenya Crisis AppealThe British Red Cross appeal, which has raised more than £130,000, is supporting
the Red Cross Movement's response in Kenya and neighbouring countries that have been affected.The British Red Cross is also channelling £1 million from the Department of
International Development (DfID) to the International Committee of the Red Cross.The Red Cross has been providing family kits, which contain a range of relief items including soap,
tarpaulins and jerry cans for carrying water."These kits provide vital support for people who have lost everything," Chris said.Read information sheet about Kenya crisis
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
Residents carry their belongings as they flee during post-election violence in the western town of Nakuru, January 28, 2008. Protests erupted in western Kenya and machete-wielding mobs faced off in the ...
