‘There are mothers who are willing to take her in, give her a better life’

This girl lies alone after her parents fled from bandits. Many of her agemates were killed in the Nadome attack. [PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD]

Kenya: There was an outpouring of emotional support and financial pledges for the girl from conflict-stricken Turkana County whose heartrending photograph ran in The Standard newspaper, Friday.

The unknown girl, covered in dust, was pictured while fast asleep on an open field, having being left behind after her parents fled from bandits.

Her age-mates were among casualties of the Monday-night bloodletting that claimed more than 50 lives in Nadome village.

“I felt like crying when I saw that picture. As a grandfather, it is very painful and touching to see such an innocent girl waste away like that,” said Ezekiel Muhenga from Nyamira County.

He called on Kenyans to join hands and help the girl.

“If there is way we can help, let it be done. Even if well-wishers contribute Sh10 each, it would go a long way in saving a life and I would be happy to be the first one to make a contribution,” he said.

In Nairobi, a group of women said they were ready to have the girl flown to Nairobi for medical check-up and given proper accommodation.

“There are so many mothers willing to take her in and ensure she has a better life. This is a pity and we should all ask ourselves what we are doing for the less privileged in society. It would be our pride to see this girl prosper,” said a lady who only identified herself as Jacqueline.

Ann Mathenge, who called in from London, offered to provide the girl with a safe and comfortable refuge. “I can send my sister to get her and stay with her at least until the parents are found,” she said.

Members of the National Assembly Lady Spouses Association of Kenya also joined hands and had by last evening started making cash and material contributions to support those affected in Nadome.

“We have been moved by the killings and felt we should do something for our brothers and sisters,” said one of the members.

Kenya Red Cross Secretary General, Abbas Gullet, however, said he was not aware of the girl’s whereabouts while the organisation’s local coordinator could not be reached for comment.