President Uhuru Kenyatta with Mark Smith at State House after performing at the Kenya Red Cross Society’s 50th anniversary at KICC. [PHOTO: MBUGUA KIBERA/STANDARD]

Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta joined humanitarian group, Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), in marking its golden jubilee.

Recognising the society’s commendable work in emergency response in the country especially the recent Garissa terror and Baringo banditry attacks, the President joined fellow volunteers in celebrating 50 years of great service to humanity.

The society was established on December 21, 1965, under the Kenya Red Cross Society Act.

Yesterday, the society joined its global sisters, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross in marking the World Red Cross Day.

In its history in Kenya, the society has been working autonomously, but complimenting government’s humanitarian aid efforts.

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Secretary General Abbas Gullet hailed KRCS as number one in emergency response in Africa.

“We gather today to celebrate an organisation whose mission of compassion shows us at our best,” said the president, “but let us begin with admitting a hard truth. Kenya has suffered far more than its fair share of calamity...” he added.

Also present at the event attended by dignitaries and volunteers was Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru. Waiguru’s ministry is charged with humanitarian issues such as disaster management, risk reduction, relief and rehabilitation.

“Fifty years signifies a journey of commitment, resilience and diligence,” said Waiguru noting that KRCS has complimented government efforts in various programmes such as the Kenya Drought Initiative in arid and semi-arid areas.

The president, who is the patron of the society, was in an upbeat mood as he toured the ICRC, IFRC and UN Women exhibitions. He mingled freely with participants.

The star of the moment was eight-year-old Mark Smith, a Red Cross volunteer who stole the president’s heart with his heart warming performance on the society’s stellar score card in emergency response.

The President awarded long serving members of the KRCS, including Charles Rubia, its first African Governor, who led it before Kenyan independence.

Others awarded include Rachel Mzera, its first secretary general and the current governor, Dr Mohamud Said among others.