CS Ruku warns officers against diversion of relief food in Mandera

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku cautioned government officers and local administrators against unfair distribution and diversion of relief food, warning that disciplinary and legal action will be taken against anyone found culpable.

The CS issued the warning while leading a national government relief food distribution exercise in Banisa Constituency, Mandera County, one of the areas hardest hit by the prolonged failure of rains that has left thousands facing hunger.

“This food is not for sale. It is meant strictly for families affected by hunger. Anyone found diverting it will face the full force of the law,” Ruku said on Monday, stressing the need for fairness, transparency and accountability in the exercise.

He noted that the government has rolled out a robust relief programme targeting 23 drought-affected counties across the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), with Mandera among the worst hit.

He emphasized that distribution must be carried out equitably across all sub-counties to avoid marginalisation.

To seal loopholes, the CS said the distribution is being conducted under the supervision of security officers to prevent misuse and interference with relief supplies.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any cases of diversion, drawing applause when he shared his personal phone number for direct reporting.

Ruku further announced that the government will soon begin distributing livestock feed to cushion pastoralist communities whose animals are facing starvation due to the prolonged drought.

He reaffirmed President William Ruto’s commitment to ensuring no Kenyan suffers from hunger, saying the administration has people-centred plans to address food insecurity, protect livelihoods and spur development nationwide.

The CS also highlighted the National Infrastructure Fund as a key initiative expected to unlock development projects and economic opportunities, urging residents of North Eastern Kenya to continue supporting the government’s development agenda.

During the visit, Ruku toured Banisa Dam, which has completely dried up, leaving residents facing acute water shortages. He assured locals that the government is working on a comprehensive and sustainable plan to address the water crisis and guarantee reliable water supply.

He also visited families on the outskirts of Banisa town to assess the drought situation firsthand, assuring them that the government is proactively working to ensure food and water security for communities across the 23 ASAL counties.

The relief food distribution exercise in Banisa town was undertaken under the Special Programmes docket and is aimed at providing emergency humanitarian assistance to vulnerable households.

He was accompanied by Mandera County Woman Representative Ummulkheir Kassim and Banisa Constituency MP Ahmed Maalim Hassan.

Following the failure of rains in Banisa and other parts of Mandera County, residents have been forced to walk long distances in search of water, underscoring the urgency of the government’s intervention.