Deputy President William Ruto has empathized with Kenyans in the diaspora who are reeling in the shock of COVID-19 pandemic.
In a presser on Tuesday from his Karen office, DP Ruto maintained that Kenyans in the diaspora have been greatly affected by the pandemic.
He cited the death of two Kenyans in the US who died last month after succumbing to novel coronavirus.
He assured that Kenyan consulates around the world are working towards ensuring that Kenyans living in those countries get the necessary help if and when they require it.
“The serious challenges of Covid-19 here at home has not spared them,” stated DP Ruto. “Our staff at embassies around the world are doing their utmost to ensure assistance is available. GoK through the Foreign Affairs Ministry will be issuing a comprehensive statement on the same.”
Two Kenyans who had been living in the US died of COVID-19 in the last month.
35-year old Peter Juma who lived in the US for four years died on March 28 2020. He has since been buried in a low-key ceremony only attended by his close relatives who live in the US.
Another Kenyan, Laban Kimungu who hails from Molo in Nakuru County also passed on at a Massachusetts hospital.
He is reportedly said to have contracted coronavirus while undergoing treatment for an underlying condition. He was cremated in the US according to a report on Samrack media.
Last week on Friday, April 10, a Kenyan administrative attaché at Kenya’s Consulate-General in Los Angeles, US Ms. Ruth Anyango Ogonda died under unclear circumstances that the ministry of foreign affairs is yet to give an update on.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it will issue a full report into her death once an autopsy is conducted.
Back in Kenya, COVID-19 cases hit a solid 216 on Tuesday after eight more people tested positive for coronavirus.
A further 41 people have recovered but nine deaths have been reported.
