Probe reveals relief food on sale in Samburu shops

Relief food in drought-ravaged Samburu County is being sold in Maralal Town, investigations by People Daily have revealed.

The food is being sold in, among other places, retail shops located a few metres from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot.

This writer had no problem buying a bag of rice from a shop in the town but it took time since most of the food is being transferred from labeled relief food bags and the bags returned to the depot or destroyed to erase evidence. But our link man was able to obtain a 50kg bag of rice labeled “Not for sale or exchange” at Sh3,500.

The illicit business which takes place mostly at night, is said to involve NCPB officials, National Government Administration Officials and politicians.

Arrest threat

But Samburu County Commissioner Henry Wafula has denied that relief food was being sold in Maralal and warned that anyone who will be found doing so will be arrested.

“I am not aware of anyone selling food meant for the starving in the villages, if there is one, we will arrest him or her and it won’t take long,” Wafula (pictured) told People Daily on phone.

NCPB Maralal depot manager Kipngetich Mutai said they received a consignment of 800 bags of rice and beans three weeks ago and part of the food was distributed to affected areas.

Those interviewed in Maralal town blamed local politicians for sabotaging food distribution and giving it out where it is not needed to win support in the August elections.

“It is disgraceful and appalling to sell food meant for the hungry or use it to buy political support. It’s sad and they should all be arrested,” said Jespa Lerno, a local politician.

Starvation in Samburu has taken a heavy toll on a majority of the people in remote parts of the vast county.

 With drought getting worse, and livestock dying, pastoralists depend on food aid being supplied by the national government through NCPB and the World Food Programme.  

Areas mostly affected are Nkii Village, Ndonyowasin, Opiroi, Muruankai in Samburu East, Masikita, Keno, Simale and Seisei Villages in Samburu North.