Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has said that the current drought condition in the country has not yet reached an alarm stage compared to 2017.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Wamalwa reiterated that no hunger-related death have been reported in the affected regions, adding that the government has its team on the ground and won’t allow such to happen.
“We have our people on the ground across all the 12 drought-affected counties, and I have been their myself to assess the situation -there is no verified death,” said Mr. Wamalwa.
The CS added that the country is food secure, therefore the drought cannot be named a national disaster.
“2017 was worse than 2019… right now the country has enough food but the only challenge to deal with is the question of access.” he said.
Political allegations
Wamalwa added that before declaring dry spell as a national disaster, it must be at an alarm stage like it reached in 2017, but “we are not at the alarm stage”.
“We are only at stage two which is an an alert stage.” said the CS.
Wamalwa maintained that politician are using the current state to propagate political propaganda.
He challenged politicians and leaders from the affected regions to show what they have done in salvaging the situation rather than leveling allegations.
Asked to commend on the ensuing dam scandal, the CS said the dams have to be built despite the challenges in order to realize big four agenda and the vision 2030.
He added that anyone found guilty should be prosecuted alone but the projects have to continue for the best of the country’s future.
“Though we have challenges, but this dams should be built to realize big four agenda and vision 2030- those caught should be charged alone.” said Wamalwa.
Leaders from the drought affected areas and the media have reported cases of hunger-related death but the government says there no verified death.
MPs and senators have called upon the president to declare the situation as a national disaster and deploy the military in the affected regions to salvage it.
Some want a clear explanation of the funds that were allocated to deal with the situation.
On Monday, Deputy president, William Ruto said that the Government has allocated Sh14 billion to deal with the effects of the drought.
The dry spell hit the counties of Samburu, Marsabit, Garissa, Isiolo, Manderal, Wajir, Baringo, Kilifi, Tana River, West Pokot, Makueni, Kajiado and Kwale.
