Kenyans kick-off events to honour Haitian mothers

Kenyans remember Haitian mothers during an event dubbed Africans4Haiti at Uhuru Park Gardens on May 12, 2024. (Photos: Handout)

By Mary Wambui
Monday, May 13, 2024

The event that saw attendees from different backgrounds and dignitaries hold prayers, musical performance, lighting candles to symbolise hope and love for mothers in the Caribbean nation.

Kenyans assembled at Uhuru Park Gardens on Mother's Day to express compassion and honour the resilience of Haitian mothers through an initiative dubbed Africans4Haiti.

The event that saw attendees from different backgrounds and dignitaries hold prayers, musical performance, lighting candles to symbolise hope and love for mothers in the Caribbean nation and releasing white doves into the air to signify peace and freedom for them marked the start of a series of activities aimed at pledging support to the people of Haiti who have been affected by gang violence since President Jovenel Moise's assassination in 2021.

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Amongst notable figures present were Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei, Romanian Ambassador to Kenya Gentiana Serbu, representatives from the Dingle Mothers Network and the Office of the First Lady Rachael Ruto all of whom expressed solidarity with the mothers in Haiti.

The activities will culminate with a concert dubbed Harmony4Haiti that will be held at Uhuru Gardens on June 29, this year.

Speakers highlighted the remarkable resilience of Haitian mothers who they noted navigate through adversities such as earthquakes and social unrest with unwavering determination.

Edward Githaiga the Chief Inspiration Officer at Africa4Haiti said their inspiring stories inspired the event that also reaffirmed the importance of standing hand in hand with communities in need.

Global solidarity

"This event stands as a testament to global solidarity and support for mothers facing extraordinary challenges in Haiti. The vigil served as a catalyst for ongoing efforts to effect positive change and address the multifaceted challenges faced by Haitian mothers and families," he said.

PS Korir Sing'oei said the event played a significant role in expressing solidarity with the mothers lauding the initiative's planners for being thoughtful.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei speaks during the vigil in honour of Haitian mothers organized by Africa4Haiti Initiative on May 12, 2024. (Photo: X/Korir Sing'oei)

He reiterated Kenya's steadfast commitment to the upcoming Kenya-led mission to Haiti and encouraged global awareness through transformative events like the vigil.

Romanian Ambassador to Kenya Gentiana Serbu also expressed her solidarity with mothers in Haiti.

Africans have been showing support to Haiti with donations and pledges for relief efforts as well as expressing interest to contribute to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to Haiti.

The Kenyan troops are expected to be deployed soon following the establishment of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) last month.

It will be tasked with "rapidly" appointing a new prime minister and a government "inclusive" of Haiti's various political factions. The formation of the council is also a first step toward holding a presidential election by early 2026.