Thika: Residents scramble for food as hunger bites

Distribution of government relief food in Thika East, Kiambu County turned chaotic over the weekend after a section of residents scrambled for food portions disrupting the exercise.

The incident occurred at Gatuanyaga chief’s centre where hungry villagers caused a stampede with some overwhelming security personnel and took off with sacks of rice and beans on their backs.

This occurred as local leaders led by area Member of Parliament (MP) Alice Ng’ang’a and Deputy County Commissioner Hellen Chege sent an appeal for more relief food in the semi-arid area where rains have failed for about four seasons.

Ng’ang’a was supervising the distribution of food targeting vulnerable groups such as the disabled and the elderly when hungry residents descended on the venue demanding a share upon getting wind of the donation.

Security officers had difficulty controlling the mob but finally managed to restore order and the exercise resumed.

“This is a clear indicator that our people are starving and in dire need of relief food. As a temporary measure, we need more supplies to feed them, “Ng’ang’a said adding that plans for the construction of dams were already underway to improve the food security situation.

She noted that the area that borders Machakos County has a rich agricultural potential which can be exploited through irrigation.

On her part, Chege stated that about 3,800 families in Thika East had been identified as among those in need of food support.

“The number of people sleeping hungry in the area has soared and the government has lined up interventions to ensure that every deserving person receives food aid,” Chege stated.

She also appealed to other donors and well-wishers to chip in and channel their donations through government administrative offices for easy and transparent distribution.

Earlier, Ng’ang’a flagged off trucks carrying relief food to affected localities and confirmed that Kiambu county was hard hit by famine, contrary to what many think.

“Kiambu which is believed to be among the wealthiest counties in Kenya has its share of hunger-stricken residents who cannot afford a meal a day. It is home to many starving hustlers and mama mbogas as you can witness,” she added.

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