SHAMEFUL

Corruption, poor planning to blame for hunger, say MPs

House Minority leader John Mbadi demanded that DP William Ruto apologises to Kenyans for saying that no one has died as a result of hunger.

HUNGER: Hunger victims at Kositei location in Tiaty, Baringo County share a meal of ‘Soruch’ poisonous wild fruits on March 15.
Image by JOSEPH KANGOGO
In Summary

•The MPs said it was embarrassing and shocking that Kenyans are still dying of starvation, 50 years after independence.

•People have turned to wild, poisonous food as an alternative, Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino said

MPs on Tuesday blamed poor planning and corruption for the hunger and drought currently ravaging some parts of the country.

The legislators adjourned the business of the House to discuss the disaster that has led to the death of at least 10 people in Turkana and Baringo counties.

They said it is shameful that the national and county governments have failed to ensure food security and put in place strategies to arrest the perennial problem.

“It is very sad to watch the pictures of emaciated people. People have turned to wild, poisonous food as an alternative,” Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino said.

The MPs said it was ‘shocking and embarrassing’ that Kenyans are still dying of starvation, more than 50 years after independence.

“There are some people who are enjoying the resources of this country and are insensitive to others,” Owino said.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi accused the government of poor planning and misplaced priorities.

“Are the ministers only there to fly national flags instead of working?” he asked.

He said that it was ironical that while residents of Turkana and Baringo are starving, his constituents have nowhere to sell their maize because of lack of market.

House Minority leader John Mbadi demanded that DP William Ruto apologises to Kenyans for saying that no one has died as a result of hunger.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said the Jubilee government has no business in office if it cannot guarantee the safety of citizens.

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