Devolution CS Mwangi Kiunjuri at a past event. [Photo/ nation.co.ke]
Devolution CS Mwangi Kiunjuri has hit out at opposition leaders, accusing them of using the food shortage being witnessed in the country to gain political mileage.
In a statement to newsrooms on Tuesday, Kiunjuri said it is unacceptable for a section of leaders in the opposition to politicise the problems facing Kenyans.
He said the government is committed to addressing the food crisis, adding that a total of 1,489,400 bags of maize will be distributed across the country within a month.
“It is irresponsible, unfortunate and really unacceptable that certain leaders in the opposition have sought to discredit these efforts with the singular aim being to squeeze some political mileage out of a situation that is affecting not only Kenya and the region, but many other African countries,” said the CS.
He said the opposition has panicked after receiving information that the government has acquired adequate food supplies to last the country until the next harvest.
The CS said the President Uhuru Kenyatta-led administration will intensify food distribution in the country.
“This will definitely be felt by Kenyans who are already appreciating the efforts that we have put in place,” he said.
He dismissed claims by opposition that Jubilee is using the subsidized maize flour as a campaign tool, adding that no amount of intimidation or criticism will stop them from discharging their mandate.
He assured Kenyans that there will be enough maize in the country which will be distributed to all affected citizens.
“These and other measures are geared towards ensuring that affected Kenyans are effectively cushioned against hunger. Since last year October when the drought started biting, the government has continued to put in place response measures that have won accolades from humanitarian organizations for being focused, sustained and inclusive,” he said.
He added that the government has flagged off a consignment of 155,000 bags of rice from China.