Kenya in solidarity with Japan, says PM

Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) signs a condolence book at the Japan Embassy during a courtesy call to the Japan ambassador Toshihisa Takata (right) to condole with the Japanese people after a devastating earthquake March 17, 2011. Mr Odinga said Kenya stood in solidarity with Japan during the dark period in its history. JENNIFER MUIRURI 

By DAVE OPIYO, dopiyo@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Thursday, March 17 2011 at 13:37

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has led several top athletes in sympathising with the people of Japan following a devastating earthquake.

The PM visited the Japanese embassy in Nairobi Thursday where he offered Kenya’s support in helping the country recover from the catastrophe that resulted in a tsunami, which caused widespread destruction.

Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya Toshihisa Takata, in paying tribute to Kenyans, said they were encouraged by their concern.

“Even though we still do not know the exact extent of our loss but we are optimistic that we will overcome this challenge,” said Mr Takata.

“We are very grateful for the sympathies expressed by Kenyans. We are encouraged by the great friendship you have shown during these difficult times."

A massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit Japan on last Friday, unleashing huge tsunamis along its Pacific coast, killing and displacing thousands.

Mr Odinga said the quake came as a great shock.

“We know what the people of Japan are feeling now. They will come out more stronger from this episode which is even worse than events that occurred at Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” said the PM.

This was in reference to the events that occurred at the final stages of World War II in 1945, when the United States dropped two atomic bombings in the two cities killing many.

“We are here to express solidarity with the people of Japan. We shall provide whatever support is required to help in reconstructing the affected areas,” he said.

Top Kenyan athletes who have not only lived and trained in Japan but also who have gone ahead to win medals for Kenya in international competitions accompanied the PM.

They included: Douglas Wakihuri, Samuel Wanjiru, John Kanyi, Lucy Kabuu, Jacinta Wanjiru among others.

Also present was Mr Waithaka Kioni, the chairman of Kenya Volley Ball Association and Mr David Okeyo, Athletic Kenya’s General Secretary.

Kenya has the largest number of foreign athletes resident in Japan. Most of them are part of high school, college and company sponsored teams.

Ms Kabuu asked Japan residents not to give up. “God is with you,” she said.

Mr Kioni said; “We share in your agony. Please accept our sympathies,” while Mr Okeyo added; “ It is sad for what happened. Accept our condolences. We shall continue working together.”

The Kenyan embassy in Tokyo has been trying to establish the safety of Kenyans. On Tuesday it posted an alert on its website asking all Kenyans to get in touch with it to confirm their safety.

“The embassy is advising all Kenyans in Japan to urgently get in touch with the embassy and update on their whereabouts and status,” the alert read.

It also posted alerts warning its citizens in Japan on safety measures they ought to put in place in areas affected by the tsunami and the earthquake.

“All Kenyans are advised to take note of the below notice which has been announced by the Japanese authorities regarding Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant,’ said the notice, posted at 11 am Japanese time.

It asked residents staying within a 20-kilometre radius from the Fukushima Dai-ichi power station and the Tokyo Electric Power plant to take counter emergency measures such as being evacuated or staying indoors or within their buildings until the situation improves.