Peaceful demonstrations over disaster

Loitoktok, Wednesday, June 7, 2023,

KNA by Kimani Tirus

Residents of Murtot location, Entonet Lenkisim ward in Loitoktok Sub County have staged a peaceful demonstration over prevailing hunger in the location.

The peaceful demonstration is to bring attention to the government the plight of hunger they are undergoing after a three-year drought that has hit the area.

They said the peaceful demonstration is to alert the leaders they elected of their predicament saying their local leaders have neglected them after getting into office.

Kashimiri Kisombe, a resident said the situation on the ground is dire since rainy seasons have failed for three years consequently hence the prevalent hunger.

Kisombe further noted the crops they planted were also affected by a soil-borne disease and they dried off making the situation even worse.

He called upon the government to come to the rescue of over 7, 000 residents who are facing starvation after crop failure.

Kisombe further pointed out that the residents who are also herders lost a substantial number of livestock during the dry spell which adversely affected their livelihood since many rely on the livestock as their livelihood.

The residents said the situation was not like this since previously they were able to harvest and conserve food and hence they were not relying on relief food however the situation has changed after the dry spell.

They noted it was by the grace of God that their children are still attending schools, however they called for the government and Red Cross to come to their rescue.

They added the situation may worsen for the next five months since they are expecting rains in the month of November this year.

While responding to their concern, James Saigilu, Chief Murtot location said the national government will soon provide relief food in the location.

He confirmed that the location has been adversely affected by dry spells due to climatic change prevailing in the country and in the world at large.

The chief said this is the first time the residents are appealing for relief food since previously they have been having a good harvest.

Saigilu has also appealed to the Kajiado County government and other relevant stakeholders to come on board and assist the residents.

Courtesy ; K. N. A