Hunger as drought hits region

A biting drought in some northern parts of the county has left residents starving.

Crop failure in the affected regions - Tigania, Igembe and Buuri - has led to calls for emergency relief food from the government and humanitarian organisations.

“Unfortunately people in the food sufficient regions of the county who welcomed a good harvest are not aware there are parts of Meru which have been hit hard by drought,” said Daniel Thuranira, a resident of Ruiri-Rwarera in Buuri.

According to Kenya Red Cross Society Mt Kenya Regional Manager Gitonga Mugambi, the part bordering Isiolo and Tharaka Nithi is the hardest hit.

“Relief food is a challenge. We have been able to partner with Mafuko Industries to support some areas like Rwarera with food, but it is not sufficient,” Mr Mugambi said yesterday.

Ruiri-Rwarea Ward MCA Peter Mutuma and Meru Assembly Majority Leader Victor Kariithi said lack of food could also affect schooling.

“We might see a situation where children will not turn up when schools re-open," said Mr Kariithi.

"We need relief food to be distributed in schools." He noted that even safe drinking water was needed by the residents.

The majority leader, who is also the Athwana Ward representative, said households hosting people living with disabilities and the elderly were suffering the most.

“The situation is bad. Those suffering the most are disabled children and the elderly, who are too weak to fend for themselves," said Kariithi.

He averred that some able-bodied youth had left the villages where their elderly parents were starving and gone to towns.

Kariithi's Athwana ward, which is one of the largest in the county, suffers perennial drought.

"The ward is in a very sorry state. Help is needed urgently," Kariithi said.