The West Pokot Members of County Assembly have faulted the government for failing to cushion county residents against hunger and insecurity. Speaking in Kapenguria, the MCAs led by the Lelan MCA, Mr Paul Yaraki said residents in the county are perishing due to the ongoing drought and they need time to visit the locals and try to help them.
Yaraki said majority of the locals are suffering from hunger, pointing out that the
government has done nothing to salvage the situation. Seker MCA Thomas Ngolesya said that the insecurity problem in the porous Pokot-Baringo border was worrying and challenged the members to visit the area and try to talk to the warring groups in order for peace to prevail.
Mr Lokato Johnstone, a nominated MCA, urged the members to think about showing gratitude to the former Councillors for the job well done.
However, refuting the claims, the area acting county commissioner Khalif Adbullahi said in January and February this year the national government through the state department of special programme supplied the county with 5,000 bags of relief maize in the county.
Khalif said for the two months the county also receives and distribute 2,000 bags of beans, 3,000 bags of rice and 500 cartons of cooking oil.
Khalif said for two months the county also has received and distributes 2,000 bags of beans, 3,000 bags of rice and 500 cartons of cooking oil. The county commissioner added that the five Sub Counties of West Pokot, Pokot North, Pokot South, Pokot Central and Kipkomo received an equal share of the food. He pointed out that the government is committed to ensuring that no citizen dies of hunger, adding that they will continue providing the citizens with relief food until the food situation improved in the area.
During the month of February, the county commissioner added that the government through the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) distributed relief pasture to the pastoralists in both Pokot North and Pokot Central where the drought is severe.
Khalif urged the leaders to appreciate the efforts made by the government instead of criticizing, saying they should join hands in providing the lasting solution. A recent food security assessment report prepared by the county steering group involving all actors or agencies in food security initiatives indicated that over 120,000 people are in dire need of food assistance for the next three months from February.