Kwale residents pray for rains following prolonged drought

Muslim faithful in Kwale County on Thursday, November 10 held special Ististiqah prayers to call for rains following the persistent drought that has hit the county.

The prayers were conducted in the four sub-counties of Msambweni, Lungalunga, Kinango and Matuga. Residents  also condemned the continuous deforestation by unlicensed loggers saying it has majorly contributed to the drought.

Residents  have also condemned the continuous deforestation by unlicensed loggers saying it has majorly contributed to the drought.

“When we don’t have rains, we sometimes see it as a curse for our wrongdoings, that is why we have seen it wise to take in prayers to Allah,” Sheik Mohammed, one of the residents, said.

Speaking at the prayer meeting, Sheikh Hamisi Banda said they are not only praying for Kwale County but for the whole country.

He called on Kenyans to continue planting trees to increase the country’s forest cover in order to bring rains adding that the extreme weather conditions are because of the depletion of plant cover.

“Tree planting should be made mandatory for all Kenyans if  we are to save this country from the extreme weather conditions,” he advised.

Kwale County Government reportedly allocated Ksh 90 million about two weeks ago to fight drought in the region.

Written by Laura Chebet