Red Cross's appeal for Sh824.55 million on Thursday to help 3.4 million Kenyans affected by drought has caused an uproar among Kenyans on Twitter .
The hashtag #RedCrossTumechoka was trending at number one on Friday morning.
Twitter user Joe Waweru said, “I have donated since 2012 through PAYE. Someone collects my donation from Treasury.”
Victor Mochere said, “You can't keep popping up pay bills and accounts like popcorns whenever there's a disaster, yet you've failed to account for previous contributions. It's a scam meant to feed on the sympathy of Kenyans. But do you know what, we're not stupid."
Mutie Mule said the government should be made accountable for the drought.
“Government. Choose one, either we donate or we pay tax. What's the meaning of the government? They drive V8s and they can't help poor people. They still want the same poor Kenyans to help poor people,” another user said.
Royal Trendia said, “What if Redcross held the government accountable over the tax we pay? If they care let them go for the amount allocated to the counties first, ikiiisha then they can turn to Kenyans and ask for donations.”
“It is high time we united in saying enough is enough. Looters and thieves cannot keep stealing from us in billions under govt watch then request us to donate to RedCross. No. Let them first publish detailed accounts of the 2011,” Mutie Mule said.
“Before Red Cross comes to us with another con game, they must tell Kenyans how they spent the Sh1bn that we contributed. Does he want to build another hotel? Abass Gullet also should come out and tell us who supplies Boma hotel, I hear his wife is biggest supplier.”Reads part of Bel Akinyi tweet.
Red Cross secretary general Abbas Gullet, the counties worst affected by hunger are Wajir, Tana River, West Pokot, Tharaka Nithi, Samburu, Nyeri, Marsabit, Laikipia, Mandera, Lamu, Kitui, Kilifi, Isiolo, Garissa, Embu, Baringo and Turkana.
The National Drought Management Authority said 1.1 million people are affected and the number could increase if the rains delay.
The government has denied any deaths linked directly to drought - a statement that has irked Kenyans.
