Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has warned government officers and local administrators against the diversion and unfair distribution of relief food, cautioning that those found culpable will face disciplinary and legal action
Speaking on Monday while leading a national government relief food distribution exercise in Banisa Constituency, Mandera County, CS Ruku said the supplies are strictly meant for families affected by drought-induced hunger and must not be sold or misused
“This food is not for sale. It is intended solely for families facing hunger. Anyone found diverting it will face the full force of the law,” Ruku said, emphasizing the need for fairness, transparency and accountability in the distribution process
Mandera is among the counties hardest hit by the prolonged failure of rains, which has left thousands of households facing acute food and water shortages. The CS noted that the government has rolled out a comprehensive relief programme targeting 23 drought-affected counties across the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs)
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He stressed that relief supplies must be distributed equitably across all sub-counties to avoid marginalisation, adding that the exercise is being conducted under the supervision of security officers to seal loopholes and prevent interference
CS Ruku Issues Stern Warning Against Diversion of Relief Food in Mandera
Ruku also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any cases of diversion, drawing applause after he shared his personal phone number
for direct reporting
In a bid to cushion pastoralist communities, the CS announced that the government will soon begin distributing livestock feed to protect animals from starvation caused by the prolonged drought
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He reaffirmed President William Ruto’s commitment to ensuring no Kenyan suffers from hunger, saying the government has people-centred plans to address food insecurity, protect livelihoods and spur development nationwide
Ruku further highlighted the National Infrastructure Fund as a key initiative expected to unlock development projects and economic opportunities, particularly in North Eastern Kenya
During the visit, the CS toured Banisa Dam, which has completely dried up, leaving residents grappling with severe water shortages. He assured locals that the government is developing a comprehensive and sustainable plan to address the water crisis and ensure reliable water supply
Ruku also visited families on the outskirts of Banisa town to assess the drought situation firsthand, assuring them of continued government support to enhance food and water security across the 23 ASAL counties
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The relief food distribution exercise, undertaken under the Special Programmes docket, aims to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to vulnerable households
He was accompanied by Mandera County Woman Representative Ummulkheir Kassim and Banisa Constituency MP Ahmed Maalim Hassan
The continued failure of rains in Banisa and other parts of Mandera County has forced residents to walk long distances in search of water, underscoring the urgency of the government’s intervention
