[Eldas MP Adan Keynan at a past function. He has said the ongoing suffering is subjecting many North Eastern people to a lot of suffering.] (Photo/capitalfm.co.ke)
The people of North Eastern have suffered most because of the ongoing drought in the region, Eldas MP Adan Keynan and Dadaab’s Mohamed Dahiye have said.
The leaders have challenged the national government to put more resources in the fight against the disaster in order for the affected persons to return home from Ethiopia and Somalia where most have re-located to in search of water and pasture.
Speaking in Eldas, Keynan said that the people of this part of the nation depend on livestock for survival, adding that the state has not done enough to save them from the disaster.
“Pastoralism is not only a way of life for our people but a matter of life and death. If one is told to choose between voting and saving his only source of livelihood, the answer is obvious. He would rather forfeit voting,” Keynan said, as quoted by Star.
His sentiments were backed by Dahiye, who said the government should provide pastoralists with a long solution towards the problem in question.
“All those people who have crossed over are over 18 years and eligible voters. Those who have been left behind are children and women. This paints the picture of why we are concerned as leaders,” said the lawmaker.