Kwale residents, civil society and politicians have come together to raise funds and food to help starving Kinango and Lunga Lunga residents. On Thursday, under the leadership of Renny Mackenzie, they formed a WhatsApp for the purpose.
More than 200,000 people in the two constituencies face starvation, with a large number going for weeks without food. Thousands of livestock are dying for lack of water and pasture.
The WhatsApp group is also made up of companies and investors. Members came together after the national government took too long to respond, despite reports of the biting hunger circulating for weeks.
“This initiative’s purpose is to help our brothers and sisters who are experiencing famine and drought in Kinango. It is non-political. Let us join hands and help our people,” Mackenzie said.
He asked well-wishers, companies and humanitarian organisations to intervene and help save lives. By the time this story was filed the group had raised Sh31,665 and 96kg of maize.
Yesterday the government said it had set aside 2,000kg of maize, beans and rice and cooking oil for Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga and Msambweni. County commissioner Kutswa Olaka said the government is committed to saving lives.
Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya said his administration will provide water bowsers for supply to affected areas.
On Wednesday National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale told MPs the national government has set aside Sh2 billion to help drought-stricken areas.
This week, it was reported that more than 1.3 million Kenyans face starvation and are in dire need of relief food, while livestock have started dying. The worst affected areas are Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, Marsabit, Kitui and Samburu.
