The number of families in need of urgent food aid in Baringo County has risen from 1,500 to 3,300 in the last few weeks as the prolonged drought continues to ravage the region.
Red Cross South regional manager Anwar Said blamed recent cases of banditry attacks and insecurity for the sudden increase in needy persons in the ASAL areas such Baringo, Samburu, Turkana and parts of Elgeyo-Marakwet counties.
“The number is increasing by the day. In fact we’re also helping those who were displaced by insecurity… We’re committed to help all those who are suffering,” he said.
He was speaking after distributing relief food in Moinonin village in Baringo North where hundreds of families are staring starvation in the face.
Mr Anwar called for peaceful co-existence between communities saying insecurity had brought lot of destruction, loss of life, poverty and dependency.
The agency distributed maize flour, cowpeas; cooking oil and none food items to the hunger stricken families.
“We are not only distributing food but we are also give cash transfer to needy families so that they can be able to support themselves with after receiving food stuffs,” added Anwar.
According to Loruk assistant chief Samuel Kamuren, the ravaging drought and insecurity has left the situation more worsening.
The chief however claimed people who fled after a person was killed have not returned back to their homes due to fear.
“The situation in the area is now calm but the residents are reluctant to return back to their homes owing to fears of attack,” said Kamuren.
He however noted that schools still remain closed and tension still high despite heavy police presence in the area.
Esther Cherutoi, a resident said they are afraid to return back to their homes for fear of further attacks.
