North Horr: Residents appeal for help amid biting drought

The residents, mainly women, met with village elders to exert pressure on the leadership to urgently distribute food to all affected families.

Bokayo Godana, a resident, said leaders have abandoned them.

“We are just trekking not knowing where to go. Drought has pressed us with nothing to put on the table or anyone to turn to for help. We have not heard from our leaders yet – I can barely stand to address you because of hunger”

Godana said that elderly people, children and women are the most affected.

Another resident, Yattane Doko narrated how her sister collapsed due to pangs of hunger.

 “We don’t want to know where the help will come from, all we urgently need is food on the table,” she said.

Shake Katelo from Center Village in El-Gade accused leaders of not being aware of what is happening on the ground. 

Barako Godana, an elder, said the issues will be escalated to leaders.

Maikona MCA Buke Diba blamed ASAL counties for over dependence on relief food for years, which he said was unsustainable. 

“Relief food may help in the short term but we need to look for long term sustainable solutions,” he said.

“Climate change is real and affecting all and sundry.” 

Marsabit is among the Arid and Semi-arid (ASAL) counties majorly affected by drought.

Acute food insecurity due to persistent drought in the county is compounded by years of inter-communal conflict, livestock theft, the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, low purchasing power and rising food prices.