NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES TO PEOPLE OF TANZANIA

                        OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

 

On my behalf and that of the people of Kenya, I wish to convey my message of sympathy to the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania following the accidental explosion at the Gongola Mboto military base which has left up to 30 people dead.

This is a difficult moment for the people and the government of Tanzania. We understand the magnitude of the destruction and the relocation of people that has taken place.

 I wish to congratulate the Government of Tanzania for the speed and efficiency with which it has handled the tragedy so far. I note with appreciation that police sent out a text message to residents of the area affected by the explosion urging them to remain calm.

 I also note with appreciation the collaboration between the police and mobile phone service providers who teamed and sent messages to subscribers advising those who had lost relatives while fleeing to congregate at the National Stadium near the city centre to find them.
This ability to combine use of technology with the traditional African human touch at moments like this is highly commendable.

While we mourn the death and loss of property, we stand with the people of Tanzania and commend them and their Government for the calm and quick response to the tragedy.


RAILA A ODINGA., EGH, MP, PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA.
18.02.2011