Residents of Garissa, Wajir and Mandera on Monday congregated in open grounds to hold special prayers for rain to alleviate drought and suffering.
The ceremonies brought together religious and political leaders to seek intercession, traditionally referred to as special prayers for rain (salat al-‘istiqa)
Northeastern region coordinator Adan Yunis said they had sought God’s favour to open the clouds. He spoke at Orahey grounds.
“Our people are livestock keepers who have lost a huge number of their animals. This had rendered them destitute. That is why we gathered together to have these prayers, he said.
In Garissa, Sheikh Hassan Mahat led hundreds of faithful in the prayers at Garissa Primary School playgrounds.
Mahat urged the faithful to continue praying to God for rain.
“This is beyond us, let us continue praying for him to shower us with his blessings as he had done before,” he said.
The ground is parched the water is reduced to muddy puddles.
Boreholes have also broken down due to growing demand.
Most pastoralists have moved to neighbouring countries in search of water and pasture.
Animals are emaciated; many have sickened and died. Market prices have drooped.
The National Drought and Management Authority has issued an alert over animals' deteriorating body condition and poor milk production.
In its September report, the authority said storage and water sources are depleting due to the failed October-December rains.
The Meteorological department has already issued an alert that there will be less rain between October and December.
Two weeks ago, State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands PS Micah Powon said the government and other state and non-state actors are cushioning families by providing relief food livestock feed and trucked water.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
