Malta Mourns with Kenya: Local Community Rallies After Schoolgirls’ Tragedy
As the sun rose over the coastal town of Malindi, Kenya, on Thursday, the usually bustling streets were eerily quiet. The reason? Sixteen schoolgirls, aged between 12 and 18, had lost their lives in a suspected arson attack on their dormitory at the nearby St. Gabriel’s Secondary School. The news has across Kenya and beyond, reaching the shores of Malta, where the local community is expressing its solidarity with the bereaved families.
Malta’s Kenyan Community in Mourning
The Maltese archipelago is home to a small but vibrant Kenyan community, many of whom have been left devastated by the tragedy. “It’s like a part of our home has been destroyed,” said Jane Wambura, a Kenyan national living in Msida. “We’re all in shock. We can’t believe this has happened.” Jane, who works at a local restaurant, has been fielding calls from concerned friends and family back home all week.
Malta’s Kenyan community has been rallying together, organizing vigils and prayer meetings at the St. George’s Basilica in Rabat and the St. Patrick’s Church in Sliema. “We’re coming together to mourn our lost sisters,” said Joseph Omondi, another Kenyan resident. “But also to support each other and remember the joy they brought to our lives.”
Malta’s Response: Sympathy and Solidarity
Malta’s political and religious leaders have been quick to express their sympathies. Prime Minister Robert Abela offered his condolences on Twitter, writing, “Our hearts go out to the families of the 16 Kenyan schoolgirls who lost their lives in this tragic incident. We stand with you in these difficult times.”
Archbishop Charles Scicluna echoed these sentiments, saying, “We pray for the souls of these young girls and for strength for their families. We are all united in grief and solidarity with the Kenyan community in Malta.”
Fundraising for the Victims’ Families
In a show of solidarity, the Kenyan community in Malta, along with their Maltese friends, have launched a fundraising campaign to support the families of the victims. “We want to do something practical to help,” said Jane. “The families have lost so much, and we want to ease their burden in any way we can.”
The campaign, ‘Malta Stands with Kenya’, has seen an outpouring of support, with donations flooding in from across the island. The funds will be used to cover funeral costs, provide immediate financial relief to the families, and support the education of the victims’ siblings.
You can donate to the campaign via the GoFundMe page: Malta Stands with Kenya.
