Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku has called for strict order and discipline during the distribution of government relief food, urging National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) to take full control of the exercise.
Referring to a recent incident in Gatundu South where vulnerable families scrambled for food, forcing police officers to fire shots in the air to disperse the crowd, CS Ruku warned that such chaos would no longer be tolerated.
He tasked Deputy County Commissioners and chiefs with ensuring orderly distribution, cautioning that they would be held personally responsible for any mismanagement, wastage, or misuse of relief food.
“I want to call upon the DCCs and the Chiefs to ensure that wherever there is government food distribution, you must ensure that the process is orderly. If it is not orderly, whoever is responsible will face legal action,” Ruku said.
The CS was speaking in Kirinyaga West, Ndia Constituency, Kirinyaga County, where he joined the Secretary to the Cabinet, Ms. Mercy Wanjau, in issuing relief support supplies to vulnerable families.
He emphasised that the food belongs to all Kenyans and must reach those most in need.
“This food has been bought using taxpayers’ money and it should go directly to help those who are in need,” he stated.
The government, through the Department of Special Programmes, is currently distributing relief food to vulnerable populations, including the poor and persons living with disabilities.
“Those who are vulnerable should receive this food. The rest should give room for them,” Ruku added.
He further revealed that at least 32 counties are experiencing severe food insecurity, prompting the government to scale up relief efforts and ensure last-mile delivery to affected individuals and families.
CS Ruku attributed the ongoing hunger crisis to the effects of climate change, noting that disrupted weather patterns have affected traditional farming seasons.
He said the government is investing in major water infrastructure projects to help farmers transition from reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
By Mutai Kipng’etich
