An association of Muslim organizations under the “Voice for Palestine” banner has today launched a nationwide tree-planting and fundraising initiative aimed at providing humanitarian relief to Palestinians in Gaza while simultaneously supporting Kenya’s reforestation efforts.
Dubbed ‘Plant a Tree and Save a Life,’ the campaign seeks to raise funds to alleviate what organizers have termed an ‘unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe’ in Gaza, where over 70,000 civilians, including women and children, have reportedly died as a result of Israel’s ongoing military siege and bombardment.
The event, held at a Nairobi hotel brought together key representatives from faith-based organizations, political leaders and officials from both the Nairobi County and national governments.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria praised the campaign’s dual focus on climate action and global solidarity.
“Every tree we plant restores hope to our environment. Every tree also reminds us of life, a life we must protect, whether it is here in Kenya or in Gaza,” he implored.
Mosiria, who expressed admiration for the interfaith collaboration, challenged Kenyans to recognize that humanitarian responsibility transcends religion.
Further, the county officer urged public institutions, the corporate sector, and community groups to support similar dual-purpose initiatives.
“Let Kenya be remembered not just for her forests and rivers, but for the strength of her heart,” he said.
Notably, the initiative, spearheaded by organizations including Jamia Mosque Committee, NAMLEF, SUPKEM, and CIPK, intends to work alongside the Kenyan government, private sector, and environmental bodies to promote large-scale tree planting aligned with President William Ruto’s goal of increasing national tree cover.
Kenya’s reforestation agenda aims to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and restore degraded ecosystems.
However, speakers at the event were unequivocal in their criticism of what they described as global inaction and complicity in the Gaza crisis.
Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow delivered harsh criticism of Western powers, singling out the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany as enablers of what he termed ‘systematic genocide’ in Gaza.
“Israel would not last a few months without the military and financial backing of these nations, they are the real culprits,” he alleged.
Kerrow also advised the Kenyan government to speak out on the crisis and show its support for the peace initiatives in Gaza.
Additionally, the campaign’s press statement, read on behalf of the organizing bodies by Ahmed Shariff, drew parallels between Palestine’s plight and Kenya’s own colonial past, reminding attendees that Kenya had once been proposed as a possible site for a Jewish homeland.
“Had that happened, it could have been Kenyans enduring the horrors Palestinians face today,” he alluded.
Shariff also referenced the 1994 Rwanda genocide to illustrate the cost of global indifference, stating, “Back then, the world turned a blind eye until it was too late. Today, we see the same silence and inaction in the face of mass suffering in Gaza,” he regretted.
The organizations are now urging the Kenyan government to call for unimpeded humanitarian access into Gaza, re-evaluate its diplomatic ties with Israel citing violations of international law and United Nations resolutions, and amplify Kenya’s voice on international platforms in favor of justice and peace for the Palestinian people.
Concurrently, faith-based leaders called on religious institutions across the country to rally their congregants in both tree planting and advocacy.“
This is not just about the environment. It’s about planting justice, planting hope, and standing for human dignity,” asserted Sheikh Zayed, one of the campaign’s lead organizers.
In addition to its symbolic role, the campaign also aims to shift public consciousness in Kenya, particularly among the youth, whom speakers said were being misled by online misinformation portraying Palestinians as aggressors.
“Many young Kenyans have internalized colonial narratives that dehumanize Palestinians, we must educate our youth about the truth,” urged Kerrow.
Meanwhile, the organizers hope to turn the campaign into a movement that extends beyond tree planting into continuous advocacy, education, and global solidarity efforts.
Plans are underway to coordinate peaceful demonstrations, awareness drives, and future fundraising initiatives to sustain humanitarian support for Gaza.
With over 90 percent of Gaza’s population now displaced and humanitarian convoys being blocked at the border, organizers stressed the urgency of intervention could not be overstated.
As the event came to a close, the recurring message was clear: the fight for a greener Kenya and a freer Palestine are not separate causes but parallel struggles in the pursuit of justice, dignity and life.
By Kamau Daniel and Yvone Wanjiru
