ODM leader Raila Odinga has attacked President Uhuru Kenyatta and demanded that he apologises for declaring drought a national disaster months after lives had been lost.
In a press statement, Odinga claimed that Uhuru had failed to tackle the issue situation.
“This belated response comes after many lives and property, including livestock have been lost and after months of calls by the Opposition for the government to provide firm leadership and seek interventions that will mitigate the disaster,” Odinga stated.
The former prime Minister said that he was getting very concerned and worried about the President’s ‘cavalier attitude’ towards the suffering of Kenyans.
“The declaration of disaster will not return the human lives and livestock lost. It is more of a political gimmick and a face-saving measure than an indication of feeling for the people. It proves the government’s inability to respond effectively to disasters,” Odinga stated.
The Opposition leader urged Uhuru to provide a clear programme for providing supplies including water, food, medicine and all other necessities to people affected by the drought.
“We demand that the President goes beyond the declaration of disaster and apologises to the nation for the inaction that has cost lives and other losses.
“The government must also roll out compensation to all those who have lost loved ones and property as a result of State inaction,” Odinga affirmed.
On Friday, Kenyatta declared the current drought affecting 23 arid and semi-arid counties a national disaster and urged all stakeholders to support the Government by upscaling drought mitigation programmes.
He also called on the local and international partners to come in and support the Government’s efforts to contain the situation.
“Support from our partners would complement Governments efforts in mitigating the effects of drought,” the President said.
