Minister, MPs differ over relief food

By Osinde Obare

A row is simmering over a contract for distribution of relief food in West Pokot District.

Information and Communication Minister Samuel Poghisio is at loggerheads with two local MPs over the issue.

The Government replaced Pokot Outreach Ministries with the Kenya Red Cross Society as lead agency amid protest from the residents.

Last Friday, placard-waving residents protested on the streets shouting anti-Poghisio slogans.

"We’ll not allow Poghisio to dictate to us. He is not our spokesperson. Let him concentrate on issues that affect his Kacheliba constituents," the protestors charged.

They blamed Mr Poghisio for the changes and claimed he had waged a political war against Kapenguria MP Julius Murgor and Sigor MP Wilson Litole.

The local District Steering Group picked Pokot Outreach Ministries in an election that involved the Red Cross and Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation. But the local DC John Elung’ata and Poghisio denounced the election.

The minister argued that the organisation was linked to a politician and promised to petition the Government over the matter.

In a letter to Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission dated May 3, the two MPs demanded proper investigation into the maize theft.