Sonko distributes food to over 136,000 Turkana residents
Nairobi, March 26, 2018,GPS
Over 136,072 hunger-troubled residents of Turkana County have benefitted from relief food being distributed by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
Sonko sent over 10 trucks of food stuffs, several other trucks of fresh drinking water, and other trucks were carrying fresh fruits, packaged milk, energy drinks and other assorted products for the hunger-stricken region.
A stand-by ambulance was also sent to the region to attend to those who have fallen ill due to the harsh weather condition in this part of the country.
Since Saturday, the Nairobi Governor has been camping in the region, distributing food donation to the Turkana County.
The donations have been sent to the six sub-counties of Turkana Central, Turkana East, Turkana South, Turkana North and Loima.
The affected people in Turkana Central are 26, 357, whereas Turkana East has 16,999 and Turkana South has 22, 703.
In Turkana North there are 23,964 affected residents, Turkana West has 30,537 and Loima has 15,522 persons facing starvation.
According to Sonko, the food and water distribution to Turkana County is not political-driven to gain mileage.
He also commended the state’s sh2billion disbursement to drought hit counties.
“We have been to the ground. We have seen how Kenyans are suffering. We are not trying to play politics, but we are here to help them,” said Sonko.
The governor has pledged to Kenyans of all walks of life to come out and assist the needy residents of the hunger-stricken regions.
“The national government has disbursed Sh2 billion meant to also address the famine problem in our country. However, I’m appealing to all well-wishers willing to help to send their food stuff donations to our Upper Hill Office, along Matumbato Road behind Radisson Blue Hotel," said Sonko.
Sonko cautioned that his office will not receive any cash donations, only food stuff.
“About 13 counties have been hit by hunger. We will extend this exercise to those other affected regions and we are asking Kenyans of good will and corporates to come out and assist those who are in need,” said Sonko.
Turkana governor Josphat Nanok has praised Sonko’s decision to help the suffering residents of Turkana.
“Sonko has shown us that he is more than a friend to us. The title of Good Deeds Ambassador that he was given is well-deserved,” said Nanok.
In Turkana, other leaders who welcomed Sonko to the region include Turkana women representative Joyce Emarikor and Senator Malik Ekai.
Ekai describe Sonko’s action as God-sent to Turkana people.
"We are very happy Governor Sonko for this well-thought idea, because majority of our people had not seen food, fruits or water for a very long time. It is actually like a miracle to them,” he said.
Other leaders present were MPs led by Jeremiah Lomorka (Loima), Mohamed Ali, (Turkana East), James Lomenen (Turkana South), John Lodepe (Turkana central), Christopher Nakuleu (Turkana North) among other leaders.
The relief food is being distributed to several areas including; Kerio Delta, Lochwa, Kaptir,Loima, Gold, Lotikipi, Kamarese, Kerio, Nakukulas, Lojere Emoit, Kadeli and Katioko among others.
Ends.
