Lamu pastoralists threaten to boycott relief food unless livestock fed too

The pastoralist community in Lamu county has threatened to boycott relief food distribution by the county government if their livestock are not fed.

They want their livestock given animal feeds to stop them from dying due to the ongoing drought in the region.

Last month, the county government of Lamu launched the relief food distribution drive worth Sh30 million targeting families hit hard by drought.

The exercise that was launched by Governor Fahim Twaha targets at least 32,000 households affected by the ravaging drought in  Lamu East and Lamu West subcounties.

It is expected to run for the next two weeks to ensure all the 10 wards in the county are reached.

At least 400 tonnes of food, mostly maize flour, will be distributed to the affected areas.

The programme targets  Witu, Kona Mbaya, Rehema, Pandanguo, Moa, Maisha Masha, Dide Waride, Cahaluma, Zebra, Pangani, Mpeketoni, Milimani, Basuba, Mangai, Mararani, Kiangwe, Madina and Kiunga in Lamu East and west subcounties.

At least 1,000 heads of cattle have died from the ravaging drought in various parts of Lamu county between August and September this year.

Areas that lost the most include Nagelle, Kitumbini, Chalaluma, Pandanguo, Pangani, Mavuno, Poromoko, Mkunumbi, Koreni, Mpeketoni and Bar’goni among others.

Livestock are a major part of pastoralist communities as they are the major source of livelihood for most.

Lamu pastoralists said it was unreasonable for them to be given food, while their animals are left to die. As such, they would boycott any relief food supplies until their animals are considered, too.

Spokesperson Khalif Hiribae said the county and national governments should focus on people and  animals.

“If they want to help us, let them bring both human and livestock feeds. We can’t eat when our animals are dying. Livestock are our heritage and if they can't help save them, then let them keep their food. We don’t want it,” Hiribae said.

The county government has sunk boreholes and water pans in the affected areas to enable locals get water but the pastoralists say that alone is not enough.

“We are grateful for the water but our animals need food. They drink water and still die from hunger. Let them incorporate our animals in any mitigations programmes until the drought ends,”he added.

The pastoralists have also asked the government to consider compensating all the lost livestock  as a result of the ravaging drought.

“We depend on livestock for survival and now they are dying in their thousands. Let the government compensate us so we can survive this period, “Mohamed Dullo of Nagelle said.