Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s claim that Ksh10 billion was allocated to aid counties in countering the effects of El Nino has been met with skepticism from governors across Kenya. On November 21, 2022, while distributing relief food in Kisauni, Mombasa, Governor Abdullswamad Nassir and his Siaya counterpart James Orengo denied receiving any such funds and called for clarification on the allocation and disbursement process.
Governor Orengo went on record stating, “The truth is that the national government has not disbursed even a cent for the county government for El Nino, not even in his home county, Nyeri.” Nassir echoed these sentiments, urging Parliament and the controller of the budget to investigate the claims made by Deputy President Gachagua.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross and non-governmental organizations swiftly responded to Mombasa’s plea for assistance, highlighting the urgency of the situation caused by the ongoing torrential rains. Wajir county leaders also pleaded for government intervention, emphasizing their vulnerability to the severe weather conditions.
Governor Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir cautioned that unless the national government releases the earmarked funds from the supplementary budget, the situation in the county may escalate to uncontrollable levels. This plea comes amid reports of devastating floods and considerable damage caused by the relentless rains.
In response to the governors’ skepticism, Deputy President Gachagua, while distributing relief food in Msambweni, Kilifi County, urged them to refrain from blaming the national government for their inability to mitigate the effects of El Nino. Gachagua questioned the priorities of the governors, stating, “People can’t die yet you have kept money in the bank.”
Gachagua’s bold assertion has sparked a contentious debate, with governors demanding transparency in the allocation and disbursement of funds. Governor Nassir, in particular, called for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure accountability.
The ongoing El Nino rains, predicted to last until next year, have intensified the need for swift and effective disaster response. Director of Meteorological Services, David Gikungu, confirmed the accuracy of the earlier weather forecast, dispelling any doubts about the existence of an El Nino season. Gikungu expressed concern that the head of state may have been misled regarding the weather conditions.
As the controversy unfolds, affected counties, including Mombasa and Wajir, continue to grapple with the devastating impact of the rains. The situation has prompted swift action from humanitarian organizations and calls for accountability from the government.
Governor Gachagua’s suggestion to halt development projects in the face of the crisis has added another layer to the discourse. While some argue that immediate relief efforts should take precedence, others question the feasibility of halting ongoing development projects.
In the midst of this crisis, ordinary citizens are bearing the brunt of the severe weather conditions. Reports highlight instances of flooding, destruction of property, and the tragic loss of life, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The controversy surrounding the alleged disbursement of Ksh10 billion for El Nino relief efforts underscores the critical need for transparent and accountable governance. As the nation grapples with the challenges posed by the ongoing rains, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by governors and ensure effective relief reaches the affected counties. The unfolding situation demands collaborative efforts between the national government, counties, and humanitarian organizations to provide timely assistance and mitigate further damage caused by the relentless El Nino rains.
