Kenyans up in arms after Red Cross released paybill to help drought victims

Kenyans on Thursday opposed an initiative by the Kenya Red Cross to raise funds for drought victims.

Commenting on tweets by the organization, netizens declared that they were not ready to support the cause this time round.

Some of those who expressed their displeasure noted that Red Cross had not accounted for over Sh500 million that was raised during the 2011 Kenyans for Kenya drive.

Head of Corporate Affairs, Nation Media Group Clifford Machoka speaks during the launch of a Kenya Red Cross 2019 drought funds drive (Twitter) Pulse Live Kenya

"I'm desperately seeing a replication scam #KenyanforKenya of 2009 if not sure! The Walder Project funded by Kenyans shall never be forgotten!" one Jack Otieno posted.

The Government of Kenya

Other commentators stated that the government is in a better position to provide the funds for the victims of drought.

"DP Ruto said 2B has been released to mitigate drought from our PAYE. Kindly ask for an eighth of it," another commentator advised.

Gina Din speaks during the launch of the 2019 drought funds drive (Twitter) Pulse Live Kenya

The hostile reception did not deter Kenya Red Cross boss Abbas Gullet from encouraging Kenyans to contribute.

"Climate change is real, it's happening. There was rain last year but it was not sufficient. We can prevent the picture of drought through scientific methods if our resources are utilized well," he stated.