UNICEF pays tribute to colleagues killed and injured in Somalia attack
NAIROBI, Kenya 21 APRIL 2015 - With great sadness, UNICEF can now release the names of the four colleagues who were killed in a horrific attack as they travelled to work yesterday in Garowe, northern Somalia.
Those who lost their lives were:
Mr. Payenda Gul Abed, who had been coordinating UNICEF’s polio immunization efforts in Garowe since May 2014.
Ms. Brenda Kyeyune, who had managed social mobilization and communication initiatives in support of polio eradication in Somalia since 2014.
Ms. Woki Munyui, who had been supporting UNICEF’s education work in Somalia since 2007.
Mr. Stephen Oduor, who had been undertaking vital administrative work for UNICEF Somalia since 2010.
These heroes were dedicated to building a better world for children – today, all of us at UNICEF honour their sacrifice.
Five other UNICEF colleagues are being treated for injuries sustained in the attack, and we hope for their speedy recovery.
Two local security personnel, unrelated to UNICEF, were also killed as a result of the attack, and four others injured.
Our thoughts are with the families of all who died, with those who were injured, and with all our staff who continue to work tirelessly in Somalia to support women and children.
For more information, please contact:
James Elder, Regional Chief of Communication, in Nairobi. Mobile: +254 715 581 222 jelder@unicef.org
Edward Carwardine, Deputy Director of Communication, in New York. Tel: +1 212 326 7162 ecarwardine@unicef.org
Media contacts
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
UNICEF has been working in Somalia since 1972 when its first office opened in Mogadishu. Today UNICEF has over 300 staff working in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dollow, Garowe, Hargeisa and also Nairobi, Kenya. Together with 200 international and national NGOs and community-based organizations, UNICEF delivers services in Health, Nutrition, WASH, Education and Child Protection, and responds to emergencies and supports peace-building and development.
