Ruto, other leaders mourn Turkey earthquake victims

President William Ruto has led other heads of state in condoling with Turkey and Syria following after earthquake that left over 3,000 dead and several injured. 

Through his official Twitter account, Ruto said Kenya mourns with families who have lost loved ones. 

"We wish all those injured a quick recovery," he said. 

Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan said her thoughts and prayers are with Turkey and Syria during this period.  

"Heartbreaking news from Türkiye and Syria following the earthquake. On behalf of the government and the people of Tanzania, I extend my heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this tragedy," she said. 

Yoweri Museveni of Uganda also shared his message of condolences, saying his thoughts and prayers, and those of all Ugandans, are with the families who have lost their loved ones. 

"I am deeply saddened by the deaths, injuries and loss of property in Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. May their souls rest in eternal peace," he said. 

Kenya's Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua expressed his deep sympathies to the people of Turkey and Syria, assuring his great compassion and the goodwill of the people of Kenya in this time of profound grief. 

"I condole and commiserate with the governments and the people of Turkey and Syria, following a devasting 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit both countries this morning," he tweeted. 

On February 6, Turkey declared a state of emergency and urged people not to use mobile phones to allow rescuers to coordinate.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck in the early hours of Monday and dozens of aftershocks have been felt in the hours since.

Millions of people across Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus and Israel felt the earthquake - the epicentre was near the Turkish city of Gaziantep.