7 Die As Drought Hits Samburu County

Residents said that 9 other people are in critical condition after drought hit Kawap, Ngaroni, Nachola, Swari, Seri Olepi and Marti villages.

Lawrence Lorunyei Nachola, a member of Samburu County Assembly says the situation of drought has worsened at Logetei village with residents forced to feed on acacia tree wild fruits for food.

"The old people are the most affected as they are vulnerable at home. We ask the government to intervene by availing food to the starving villagers otherwise they will soon die" added Lorunyei.

“This hunger is biting us very hard. No sickness but hunger. We sleep on water and wild fruits (sagaram) which are even hard to find. Nothing else. If the government does not come to our rescue, we will all die,” said Nabetel Ituko, a resident.

“The old have been left behind in the villages. Those who are not able to follow the livestock will just die if they are not helped,” said another resident.

The Samburu County government say it has already bought 5,000 bags of maize and will be supplied to the residents by Monday.

Wellwishers, stake holders and national government have also been asked to give a helping hand.

The Kenya Meat Commission is also expected to purchase over 300 heads of cattle to save the hunger stricken Samburu residents.

By Morgan Mueke