Raila – President’s response to drought is a political gimmick
President Kenyatta last week declared the drought situation in Kenya as a national disaster.
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“The declaration of disaster will not return the human lives and livestock lost. It is more of a political gimmick and a face saving measure than an indication of feeling for the people,” Raila said in a statement.
He asked all local and international stakeholders to support the government by up-scaling drought mitigation programms.
“This belated response comes after many lives and property, including livestock have been lost and after months of calls by the Opposition for the government to provide firm leadership and seek interventions that will mitigate disaster,” Raila said.
He accused the government of deploying its machinery to mobilize voters on a partisan basis rather than respond to the humanitarian crisis and being in denial and oblivious to people’s problems.
Cavalier attitude
He said the opposition were very concerned and worried about the President’s cavalier attitude toward the suffering of Kenyans and all serious matters affecting the country and have serious doubts about the government’s readiness to handle emergencies and its commitment to the service of the people.
Raila demanded a clear programme for providing supplies including water, food, hay, medicine and all other necessities to people in need and the purchase of endangered livestock to save pastoralists from further loses.
“We demand that the President goes beyond declaration of disaster and apologises to the nation for the inaction that has cost lives and other losses. The government must also roll out compensation to all those who have lost loved ones and property as a result of State inaction,” he said.
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