Gachagua leads food distribution exercise to flood victims

By Peter Ochieng

Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua on Monday led a food distribution exercise to victims of flood in Garissa and Tana River counties, occassioned by the ongoing El Nino rains.

Garissa has been one of the worst hit counties, with scores of people being displaced.

Speaking during the launch of the exercise at Garissa Police Training College grounds, and the neigbouring Madogo area in Tana River County, Gachagua said the humanitarian assistance in form of food and non food items is running alongside the financial support under the social protection safety net program.

"Through a multi-agency team, we have intensified our interventions to ensure no more lives are lost to El Nino and we are deliberate in our efforts to restore livelihoods," said the DP.

"Working with the counties and partners, we are also repairing destroyed infrastructure including roads, to improve response for the people to go back to their normal lives. Every corner of Garissa County cut off by the floods will receive humanitarian support at this time of crisis."

He thanked local and international partners for their support during this difficult time.

"On behalf of President William Ruto, we deeply appreciate our international and local partners for standing with us at this time of the El Nino crisis. We thank the county government of Garissa for being in the frontline in response," he added.

The Deputy President urged governors in worst hit counties to prioritise and divert resources to the emergency response.

Gachagua was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Peninah Malonza (EAC, ASALs and Regional Development), and Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport and Roads) among other leaders.

Organisations and partners helping the government to reach out to those affected include World Food Program (WFP), UNICEF, Save the Children, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the Kenya Red Cross Society.

Over 120 people have died across the country from floods.