Life Saving Equipment Donated to Hospital in Vihiga County, Kenya

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On 21 May 2026, His Excellency Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo, Governor of Vihiga County, Kenya,  met with local and area Church leaders, County Department of Health Officials, and staff members and management of Vihiga County Referral Hospital, in an official handover ceremony of life saving medical equipment donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the Hospital.

In speaking of the Church’s contribution, District President Zacheus Ogonji spoke of their desire to follow the great commandments given in Matthew 22: 37-39 to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and to love thy neighbor as thyself, expressing his hope that what was contributed to the community would benefit many people and that when the equipment is used,  “they will know that His [Christ’s] love has been extended too.”

The equipment donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints consisted of:

• Affinity CVx Ultrasound system + UPS equipment
• Platelet agitator with incubator
• Physiotherapy treadmill machine
• Combine Electrotherapy machine
• GeneXpert iV 4 door machine

Upon formally receiving the medical equipment, Governor Ottichilo expressed his profound gratitude by saying, “I want to take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for this special day… I want to most sincerely thank the Church for what you have done for the people of Vihiga.  I can tell you, you have made a very significant difference in the healthcare system and support in our county.” 

He also spoke of the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 crisis and the hopelessness he felt until he was introduced to the Church and received their help. 

He continued by saying, “That’s how we built up the friendship with the Church.  From that time, I have really become very close to the Church.”  He went on to say, “From that time this partnership is growing stronger and by God’s grace… the Church is now becoming stronger in this county,” referring to the seven congregations and over 800 members now in the community.

In speaking of the Church’s expansion in the area he said, “Now it looks as though the Church is expanding, and I would like it to expand, because this is a new concept… a new way they approach… I wish other Churches would do so.”

The Governor also spoke of the visit he made to the Nairobi Kenya Temple during its open house sharing, “I was amazed.  I walked through the temple and I was just amazed.  You are there and you feel like you are elsewhere.  You are not on this planet.  So, I want to just say that we are happy.” 

Of the donated equipment he explained that some of it arrived early and, “they are already being used. They are already used and they have saved lots of lives.”   He expressed again, “We are very grateful and we want to continue this partnership, and we want the Church to grow in this county.  We are happy and we thank God for what you have done.”

Following the meeting the group was led on a tour of the hospital and the newly donated equipment, followed by group pictures to commemorate this special event and the partnership that has developed.

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