Ruto: We stand with Morrocco in dealing with effects of deadly earthquake

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto on Saturday said Kenya stands with Morrocco during a difficult time in the country’s history, after over 800 people were killed due to a deadly earthquake in the Arab nation.

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook Morocco’s Atlas Mountain range shortly after 11pm local time, on Friday.

BBC reports that at least 820 people were killed and 672 others injured – including 205 in a critical condition.

In a post on X, president Ruto said his thoughts and prayers are with those affected.

“Kenya stands with the people of Morocco as they deal with the devastating effects of the earthquake that struck their nation Friday night. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected,” he wrote.

In 2004, the country witnessed another disaster when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the port city of Al Hoceima, claiming the lives of about 630 people.

Morocco’s worst earthquake of modern times was in 1960 near the western city of Agadir, which killed at least 12,000 people.

Meanwhile, president Ruto has welcomed the addition of the African Union (AU) to the G20 summit.

“Kenya welcomes the addition of the African Union — the fastest growing continent in the world — to the G20. This will increase the voice of Africa, visibility, and influence on the global stage and provide a platform to advance the common interest of our people,” said the Head of State.

“This fits perfectly with the resolutions of the just-concluded Africa Climate Summit, including the reform of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks.”

He shared his sentiments on Saturday, after AU became the second regional grouping to be admitted to the Group of 20 leading industrialized and developing nations as a full permanent member.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the good news on Saturday, at the start of the two-day G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi.

It means the 55-member bloc of African nations joins the European Union, as only the second regional organization to become a permanent member of the G20.

“India’s G-20 presidency has become a symbol of inclusion, both within the country and beyond, representing the spirit of togetherness,” Modi said in his opening remarks.

He said it was in the spirit of togetherness that India proposed permanent membership for the African Union in the G-20.