Ruto Says Kenya Ready To Offer Support For Los Angeles Fire Victims
At least 16 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the city's fires, which have destroyed communities and tested the resolve of thousands of firefighters.
Marvin Chege 
President William Ruto announced on Sunday, January 12, that Kenya was prepared to offer the necessary support to the residents of Los Angeles, California, United States (US). This is after devastating wildfires swept parts of the populous city, causing destruction and loss of lives.
At least 16 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the city's fires, which have destroyed communities and tested the resolve of thousands of firefighters.
In a statement, the Kenyan Head of State sent condolences on behalf of Kenyans 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 LA.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and with all the people of the United States of America as they rally to the aid of their compatriots," he wrote in part.
President Ruto emphasised Kenya's concern for the global effects of climate change, as well as shared values and friendship with the United States.
The aftermath of the Palisades Fire in a photo taken on Friday, January 10, 2025. /ASSOCIATED PRESS
The fires broke out during the winter season in the US. The ingredients for these infernos in the Los Angeles area, near-hurricane strength winds and challenging weather conditions including drought foretold an emerging era of compound events – simultaneous types of historic weather conditions, happening at unusual times of the year, resulting in situations that overwhelm the ability of first responders to act.
"As your friends, we have received the news of these devastating fires with deep concern and empathy. We recognise 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," Ruto continued.
He also praised the resilience and unity of the American people, expressing faith in their ability to recover and rebuild. "At the same time, we trust that 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 added.
"The people of Kenya stand in solidarity with the citizens of Los Angeles and all Americans. Please accept our deepest sympathies, and know that you have our support as you work towards recovery, healing, and rebuilding."
A statement by the Consul General of the Republic of Kenya in Los Angeles, Ezra Chiloba, earlier revealed that at least two Kenyan families were forced to evacuate their homes as a result of the calamity. "Following our first update, we are aware that two Kenyan families have evacuated their homes as a result of the wildfires," the statement read, adding "While no additional evacuations have been reported within our community, we strongly urge all Kenyans in Los Angeles to remain vigilant.
Further, Kenyans who happen to be in the inferno-stricken city were urged to consistently monitor updates from local authorities and follow evacuation instructions promptly. The consulate further urged anyone who has a relative affected by the fires to reach out to the consulate via cg@kenyanconsulata.go.ke.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 2,000 Kenyans are living in Los Angeles County. Despite the 16 deaths, no deaths of any Kenyans in the US have been reported.
Besides the two Kenyan families, thousands of others have been subjected to a mandatory evacuation. At least 100,000 people have been forced to ditch their homes, with the fires in the northeast area of LA near Pasadena and the coastal community of Pacific Palisades.
The LA fires have left destruction worth billions of dollars. The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city's western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena already rank as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming more than 34,000 acres (13,750 hectares)—or some 53 square miles—and turning entire neighbourhoods to ash.
No one was spared from the raging infernos, and the list of celebrities who lost their homes and neighbourhoods in the fire read like a Hollywood who's who. For example, Billy Crystal lost the Pacific Palisades house where he had lived since 1979. Paris Hilton watched her Malibu beach mansion burn down on live TV.
Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a building on Sunset Boulevard amid a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. /GETTY IMAGES
Jamie Lee Curtis, James Woods, Mandy Moore, Mark Hamill, and Maria Shriver were among those who publicly described being forced to evacuate as out-of-control fires swept across some of the world's most lavish real estate.
Some had yet to comment publicly even as media outlets shared pictures of burning homes said to be theirs. Among them were Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester and her husband Adam Brody of The O.C., two-time Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins, Roseanne star John Goodman, Top Gun: Maverick actor Miles Teller, and Scary Movie star Anna Faris.
