The family of Kenya's only tsunami victim has received a donation of 100,000 Kenyan shillings (US$1,280) from Chinese nationals living in the country.
"We are so grateful for their help," said John Kamotho, father of the Kenyan who died in the coastal town of Watamu in last week's tsunami. He added the family now had the money to bury their son, Samuel Njoroge, whose body has been lying in Malindi district hospital mortuary.
Guo Chongli, Chinese ambassador to Kenya, visited the family in Nairobi on Wednesday and gave the money to the victim's parents.
"The Chinese people cherish deep sentiments with the Kenyan people. As Chinese diplomats working in Kenya, we have identified ourselves with local people. We feel great sympathy with your family," Guo said at the family's tin-roofed house.
He added staff at the embassy and other Chinese institutions in Kenya had contributed the money to help the family after they learned of their plight in a local newspaper.
"Please accept our heartfelt condolences. It is our hope that the donation could be of some help to your family," Guo said.
Grace Wanjuri, mother of the dead man, tearfully thanked the diplomat for the timely help, saying the family now has hope again.
Kenya was affected as the effect of the underseas Sumatra earthquake hit the east African coast. One person was killed, several were injured and many boats were destroyed.
Kenyan marine experts attributed the tidal wave to the Sumatra quake, according to a Kenya Ports Authority official.
A huge tide came from the east toward the west, something abnormal because in the Indian Ocean tidal waves normally go the other way, said the official.