President William Ruto has extended heartfelt condolences to the United States, particularly the residents of Los Angeles, following devastating wildfires that have claimed at least 16 lives, destroyed thousands of structures, and left communities in disarray.
In a statement shared on Sunday, President Ruto expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, emphasizing the shared grief and support from Kenya. “The people of Kenya send their heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and to all those who have suffered losses during the fires that have caused destruction and suffering in Los Angeles,” he said.
President Ruto highlighted the shared values and longstanding friendship between Kenya and the United States, offering prayers and support for the recovery efforts. He also addressed the broader implications of climate change, linking the increasing frequency of extreme weather events to the urgent need for global climate action.
“As your friends, we have received the news of these devastating fires with deep concern and empathy. We recognize that, due to climate change, extreme climatic phenomena may evolve into a new normal unless radical measures are undertaken in the spirit of global solidarity,” he noted.
The wildfires, which erupted on Tuesday just north of downtown Los Angeles, have scorched tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 12,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and vehicles. The Eaton Fire near Pasadena alone has claimed more than 7,000 buildings.
President Ruto praised the resilience and unity of the American people, expressing confidence in their ability to rebuild. “The indomitable spirit of the American people, anchored in the powerful values that we share, will inspire them with the resilience and determination to recover from the tragedy and emerge even stronger in days to come,” he said.
With investigations into the cause of the fires still underway, preliminary estimates suggest the wildfires could be among the most destructive and costly in U.S. history. Firefighters have made some progress in containing the flames, but the recovery process for affected communities will take time.
Kenya stands in solidarity with the U.S., underscoring the need for collective global action to combat climate change and mitigate its devastating effects.
