CS Kiunjuri tells Kenyans to take photographs of locusts for Govt to verify

Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri has given a rather odd suggestion following reports that locusts that were in Wajir could have spread elsewhere in the country.

In his statement on Friday, the CS outlined a measures that the government has put in place to deal with the locust nightmare.

One suggestion however caught the attention of netizens:

“If you see any insect that you suspect could be a locust, take a picture and post on social media so we can confirm for you what insect it really is,” he said.

According to the CS, the only parts of Kenya that have confirmed reports of locusts sighted are Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo and Samburu.

He was responding to claims that Kenyans had also spotted the insects in Meru leaving farmers in panic over their miraa plantations.

“What was reported in one of the media stations are long horned variegated grasshoppers. Because of mercury in some neighboring countries its hard to control the locusts,” the CS said.

According to him, Isiolo, Samburu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi are prone areas but locusts have not been sighted there.

Kiunjuri however averred that the insects pose unprecedented threats to food security, noting that the Government responded quickly with several interventions including aerial control.

“Support is in form of pesticides, motor vehicles, personnel protective equipment. We have managed to spray several areas in Wajir and Marsabit. The Government has today (Friday) sent a second aircraft,” he said, adding that a third aircraft would be sent on Wednesday next week.

The CS urged Kenyans to report any cases of swarms to the relevant authorities but urged people against spreading fake information.

“We have scientists who have identified the real locusts so that we don’t spread alarm,” he added.

A video of the CS reading his statement was posted on the Citizen TV Twitter page and within no time, the number of his responses to his sentiments were immense.

Below are some of the responses:

Cs Kiunjuri, please confirm if this is an insect, I suspect it’s a locust. pic.twitter.com/3X5ekZcIuW

— JN SHINE™ (@IamJnShine) January 10, 2020

Bwana @CS_Kiunjuri Could this be a locust? pic.twitter.com/7foY7oI0do

— Kevyie (@KelvinWainaina_) January 10, 2020

Bwana CS, could you confirm whether this is a locust? pic.twitter.com/afGhU5tm8Z

— Thuku° (@CMThuku) January 10, 2020

You guys don’t be misled, locust is a delicacy.
Vile hii uchumi iko chini na heavens floodgates have released proteins huku..and yet you complaining???
I’d say prepare the meal well and post it for kiunjuri to see.period pic.twitter.com/T3QFgjuYKj

— shadrack musau (@denzelshady) January 10, 2020

These two were staring at my maize like this…

Are they locust? pic.twitter.com/2dW7TZ1iho

— Steven Ngugi (@Mrstevengugi) January 10, 2020

My learned CS Kiunjuri, kindly confirm if this is a locust pic.twitter.com/JUfskhD11L

— Tired Kenyan (@LusimbaLusimba) January 10, 2020

Which insect is this bwana CS? pic.twitter.com/o4EL7AIKrB

— Engineer (@kipTycn) January 10, 2020

CS actually succeeded in his intention, he just wanted to crate a light moment for everyone so that we forget the Njaanuary blues, back to school fees and so on and at least laugh and share some light moments on social media and it has worked so well! Tibim!

— James Amolo (@jsabakaki) January 10, 2020

Additional report by Denis Otieno