MP Mwingi Central Gideon Mulyungi has criticized Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa for declaring that Kitui County was food secure.
Mulyungi differed with the Wamalwa’s sentiments that the county had a lot of food and that there was drought in the region, contrary to the situation on the ground.
“I was shocked see the CS on TV saying that he was informed by the governors of Kitui and Makueni that there was no drought in their respective counties and the residents had not affected by hunger,” lamented Mulyungi.
Speaking during a funds drive at Masavi Girls’ Secondary School in Nguni ward in his constituency Saturday, he cautioned governors Charity Ngilu(Kitui) Prof. Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni) against misleading government on food situation in the two counties.
“The governors should speak the truth about the current food shortage situation in Ukambani, they should not lie to the government,” he added.
“I will soon invite the CS to visit Kitui County and especially Mwingi region to witness the prevailing food shortage,” said the MP, while warning that the situation was worsening following failure of rains during recent past March -May rains season.
He noted that the two counties have reported total crop failure and will now wait for October- December rain season and thus farm produce will be expected next year in January or February.
“For the next 8 months there will be no food from farms in Kitui County so the government should intervene and provide relief to the vulnerable people to cushion them for that period,” said Mulyungi.
The MP further expressed concern that during the drought season, many children in the area are unable to go to school because of hunger pangs, thus affecting school enrollment and he appealed for reintroduction school feeding programme.
Meanwhile, following failure of the rains residents were also faced with shortage of water as many rivers and other sources of the commodity have dried up.
Accordingly, the prolonged drought has led to decrease in food production and supply leading to hike in food prices and due to high poverty levels many people cannot afford to put decent meals on their tables.
By Denson Mututo and Margaret Kimathi.
