Chinese show support for Garissa victims

Top diplomat says the two countries are united against terrorism

China's embassy in Kenya on April 21 handed a donation of more than 6 million Kenya shillings ($64,092) to Moi University to help those affected by a terrorist attack on Garissa University College.

The Kenya China Economic and Trade Association, the Kenya Overseas Chinese Association and the China General Chamber of Commerce in East Africa were other contributors.

Representatives from Moi University in Eldoret, where Garissa college students have been admitted, accepted the donation from Chinese Ambassador Liu Xianfa at Chinese embassy.

Vice-Chancellor of Moi University Richard Mibey said at the ceremony that he appreciates the donation from the Chinese community in Kenya and the donation is the largest amount the university has got so far. The students who survived the attack will restart their studies in May, he said.

Officials from three Kenyan government ministries also attended the donation ceremony.

"In China, from the very top leadership to the grassroots, people showed their anger toward terrorism and their sympathy to the victims," Liu said at the ceremony. "Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang sent condolence letters to His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta and, through him, to the families of the victims.

"Many ordinary Chinese expressed their condolences and support to the Kenyan people through the Internet. The message they want to convey is very clear: 'We stand with you'."

"The Chinese nationals living in Kenya, who breathe the same air and drink the same water as Kenyans, felt the pain as if it were themselves.

"This is obviously only one of the many actions that the Chinese community has taken, is taking and will take. In the future, the people of China and Kenya will continue to face all the challenges together, stand side by side and shoulder to shoulder," said Liu.

"We are Chinese and we are also Kenyans. Kenya is our second home. We should make an effort to help," said Gao Wei, the vice-chairman of the Kenya Overseas Chinese Association.

One of the donors was Huang Jinhui, who has been in Kenya for eight years. "I am a Kenyan as well. We should do something," he said.

The Chinese community in Kenya has been active in helping family members of the victims as well.

Liu and members of the Kenya Overseas Chinese Association council have visited the Chiromo Funeral Parlour in Nairobi, where family members of the deceased students have come to claim the bodies of their loved ones, bringing mourners food and bottled water.

The terrorist attack happened in Garissa University College in Kenya's northeastern town of Garissa on April 2. It claimed nearly 150 lives. The college is a branch of Moi University. The attack also injured dozens of others.

houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily Africa Weekly 04/24/2015 page3)