NIAJE.CO.KE

Breaking & Trending News

The aftermath of the Beirut explosion. Photo: Courtesy

President Kenyatta sends a message of goodwill to Lebanon following Beirut explosion.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has on Wednesday August 5 sent a message of solidarity and encouragement to President Michel Aoun and the People of the Lebanese Republic following yesterday’s devastating blast in Beirut.

President Kenyatta in his message expressed Kenya’s sympathy for the Lebanese people and wished them God’s comfort as they come to terms with the regrettable destruction of their iconic capital city.

Lebanon is in mourning after a huge explosion in the capital Beirut killed at least 100 people and injured more than 4,000 others on the evening of Tuesday August 4.

The whole city was shaken by the blast, which began with a fire at the port which exploded into a mushroom cloud.

President Michel Aoun said 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate had been stored unsafely in a warehouse for six years.

He scheduled an urgent cabinet meeting for Wednesday and said a two-week state of emergency should be declared.

The country will observe an official period of mourning for three days from Wednesday.

Officials said that an investigation was underway to find the exact trigger for the explosion.

Lebanon’s Supreme Defence Council said those responsible would face the “maximum punishment” possible.