Shun hatred, Kibaki tells mourners

By Steve Mkawale and Karanja Njoroge

President Kibaki has urged Rift Valley residents to shun ethnic hatred.

Kibaki said when the Sachang’wan tragedy occurred, the local communities helped one another without caring about their ethnicity.

"As Kenyans, we should always live together harmoniously to enable us overcome any challenges that come our way," he said.

The Head of State was addressing thousands of mourners at Nguzu Primary School during a funeral service for 78 victims of the oil tanker tragedy.

Kibaki said the tragedy, which claimed more than 130 lives and left 101 with severe burns, would not have occurred if villagers were informed of the danger of handling inflammable petroleum.

He said the double fire tragedies in Nairobi (Nakumatt supermarket) and Molo call for an urgent comprehensive strategy to deal with disasters.

"Such a strategy will ensure that State agencies and even wananchi are better prepared to deal with disasters," said Kibaki.

The President directed the Ministry of Special Programmes to improve and hasten implementation of the National Disaster Management Strategy.

He ordered the ministry to first conduct training for local leaders, NGOs, and civil servants, including provincial administrators, on disaster management.

The President said the Provincial Administration and teachers would conduct civic education to educate the public how to ensure their own safety and conduct themselves when such disasters occur.

"The Government will ensure that every citizen has basic understanding of safety issues, as well as disaster preparedness, prevention, rescue and recovery," he said.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, Cabinet Ministers George Saitoti, William Ruto, Franklin Bett, Sally Kosgei, Wycliffe Oparanya, Esther Murugi, Beth Mugo, Chirau Makwere and Hellen Sambili accompanied the President.

Others were Mr Samuel Poghisio, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, Mr Amos Kimunya, Prof Sam Ongeri, Mr Soita Shitanda and Mr Mohammed Elmy.

Several Assistant ministers Lee Kinyanjui, Beatrice Kones and Kilemi Mwiria, also attended the funeral.

Kibaki assured the bereaved families that the Government would continue to support those widowed and orphaned by the tragedy.