Garissa County Commissioner James Kianda has warned public officers allegedly stealing relief food saying that they will be dealt with according to the law.
Speaking after opening the Waberi chief’s office in Garissa, Kianda said that stern action will be taken against anyone found to be diverting, selling or stealing relief food.
The commissioner said that his office is investigating claims that relief food is allegedly being sold out by public officers mandated to distribute it to hungry locals.
“It is illegal for anyone to divert or sale relief food and stern action is going to be take on those implicated,” he said as quoted by the Star.
The Commissioner asked locals to give information on people they claim are selling relief food.
A section of county politicians had last month raised claims that relief food was allegedly being stolen by some government officials.
Kianda stated that that the national government is doing its best to ensure hungry locals are supplied with relief food on time.
The commissioner said that famine is still ravaging most parts of Garissa urging stakeholders to join hands and help affected locals.
He said that the government is working on long term measures to end perennial drought and famine in Garissa and other North Eastern counties.
On the same note, Kianda refuted claims of bias in distributing government relief food.
He said that affected areas are getting equal share adding that only worst hit areas are receiving double distribution.
Garissa is among 13 counties facing hunger and starvation as a result of the ravaging drought sweeping through most parts of the country.
Last month President Uhuru Kenyatta the government declared drought and famine a national disaster saying that government will double relief food distribution in worst hit areas.
The president also said that more funds will be channeled towards drought and famine mitigation.
Garissa County Commissioner James Kianda speaking after opening a Chief's office at Waberi, Garissa on Saturday. He has warned public officers allegedly stealing relief food saying those implicated will be dealt with accordingly. (Photo/www.the-star.co.ke)