SW Radio Africa (London)

Kenya: Zimbabwean Aid Worker Killed

By Lance Guma, 9 May 2008

A Zimbabwean aid worker with the World Food Programme was shot and killed by gunman in Kenya on Wednesday evening.

Unknown attackers opened fire on 37-year old Silence Chirara, as he drove a UN marked vehicle about 100 metres from a UN logistics camp. Submachine guns were used during the attack in Lokichoggio, Northwest Kenya. Chirara was badly wounded and later died from the injuries. A WFP spokesman Peter Smerdon confirmed the incident.

Chirara was coordinating logistics for the WFP who are ferrying aid to Southern Sudan and Lokichoggio is the departure point for most flights to Sudan. He has worked for the WFP since 1996 and has seen out assignments in Iraq, Indonesia, Zimbabwe and Guinea Bissau.

A WFP representative in Sudan, Kenro Oshidari, said; 'We are all shocked at this savage killing and condemn it in the strongest terms. UN security and the Kenyan police are investigating this terrible crime.' Foreign aid workers have been regular targets of militants in the region.

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Tagged: East Africa, External Relations, International Organisations, Kenya, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

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