Medical teams with Humedica and OBI help provide aid to people in need. Civil unrest and outbursts of ethnic violence has created a serious humanitarian crisis in Kenya.

NAKURU Region, Kenya - Civil unrest and outbursts of ethnic violence has created a serious humanitarian crisis in Kenya.

More than a quarter of a million people have been uprooted after President Mwai Kibaki was returned to power late December in a disputed election.

The resulting hostility has caused many tribes to rehash old geographic boundary lines and economic power struggles.

"This crisis is much more than angry party supporters fighting over a disputed election," said David Darg, Operation Blessing's deputy director of international programs, who is on the ground in Kenya. "The election was just the straw that broke the camel's back and years of ethnic tensions have surfaced."

OBI has teamed up with International Aid Services and Humedica to respond to the growing crisis and thousands of displaced people who have fled their homes. More than 250,000 people have been displaced.

OBI has teamed up with International Aid Services and Humedica to respond to the growing crisis and thousands of displaced people who have fled their homes. Together, a 2-month project has been set into motion that will reach 15,000 people in four villages with aid. A combined total of more than $115,000 from the organizations has been poured into the project.

In addition to food, blankets, mattresses, sanitation kits, clothes, medication and utensil kits, relief efforts will also include trauma counseling for families.

"Many families have lost their homes and possessions to looters and will face uncertain economic futures," Darg said. "This, coupled with the current violence, has left many people in need of counseling."

Peacekeepers are also en route to the area to help restore order. According to published reports, to date, approximately 900 deaths have been reported since the election.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

 

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