Residents of Nguutani in Mwingi West, Kitui, are trekking for over 10 kilometres in search of water after their only source dried up.
The water point dried following extensive sand harvesting along River Kithyoko that neighbours Machakos county.
The residents who solely depended on the river are now forced to walk for long together with their cattle to fetch water for domestic use and for cattle.
Charles Ngesa said apart from hunger that has stricken most parts of the county, they are now facing another challenge of water scarcity.
"We have no food and no water yet we have leaders," Ngesa said.
Felistus Mueni said their cattle have started dying following the drought which was caused by the low rainfall experienced in most parts of the country.
She called upon local leaders to step in and ensure sand harvesting along the river stops as it has robbed them of their only source of water.
"We have depended on this river for so many years but we have nowhere to fetch water now as sand harvesters have scooped all the sand and the river has dried up," Mueni said.
She said women are having a hard time leaving young children behind and returning late in the night after a long journey looking for water.
Catherine Mutua, another resident, said women risk being raped as they move at night in search of water.
She urged the county leadership to step in and connect water at a nearby water kiosk which was disconnected a few days after the launch.
The residents have threatened to take the law into their hands once they see the sand miners, saying the government is watching but doing nothing.
Edited by Henry Makori
