CS Wamalwa Called Out Over Missing Relief Food

Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa during the 14th Memorial Service of the late Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa held at his Milimani home in Kitale, Trans-nzoia County on August 23, 2017
Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa during the 14th Memorial Service of the late Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa held at his Milimani home in Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County on August 23, 2017
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Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa was called out by several Members of Parliament over the inexplicable disappearance of relief food meant to cushion various counties during the pandemic.

Speaking on Thursday, November 5, during a session in Parliament, Endebes MP Robert Pukose asked the CS to come out and explain where the relief food from the government went.

"We have not seen any food distribution done by the Government as alleged. We saw the CS Devolution moving from one county to the other and even as MPs we got letters stating that food was going to be distributed but up to now, we haven't received anything," he claimed.

Pukose's sentiments were echoed by Nairobi Women Rep Esther Passaris who highlighted the quantity of food handed out in Nairobi as inadequate.

Watch Hon Pukose's address below

She further argued that the 30,000 bags of maize being mentioned as having been handed out in Nairobi was simply not enough to cater to at least 2 million people in dire need of relief.

Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi chimed in and urged the government to do more in helping the vulnerable people in our society, adding that relief food distribution should be done appropriately.

He also pointed out that he was not sure who between CS Devolution Wamalwa or his counterpart in the Interior Ministry Fred Matiang'i was responsible.

The Chair of the Committee on Administration and National Security Paul Koinange, who was present during the proceedings, responded to concerns from Members on the distribution of Covid-19 relief food and funds.

"The issue that was raised by Hon. Passaris was concerning Covid-19 relief food which falls under the Ministry of Interior docket," he clarified.

On April 30, Kwale County Governor Salim Mvurya suspended three administrators from Mwereni ward, Lungalunga Sub County over missing relief food meant for starving locals in the area.

Acting Mwereni ward administrator Chaka Tsungu in collaboration with two village administrators allegedly stole 6 sacks of maize on Friday last week. 

Mvurya said relief food that was distributed to every ward was meant for locals who are at risk of starving during these trying moments of Covid-19 pandemic and not county officers. 

”The relief food that we are distributing is not enough to cater for 67% of Kwale people who needs urgent assistance. We are surprised that officers who earn salaries every month could go to that extent of stealing relief food, we cannot tolerate this and action must be taken against them, ” said the governor. 

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya addressing the media on April 6, 2020.
Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya addressing the media on April 6, 2020.
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