Residents of Karembu in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, have strongly condemned politicians accused of sponsoring goons to disrupt government aid programmes, warning that such actions undermine critical support meant for vulnerable Kenyans, particularly those affected by the ongoing drought.
The residents were reacting to an incident that occurred on Thursday last week during a relief food distribution exercise in Gatundu South, where suspected goons disrupted the exercise and scattered food supplies that had been delivered by Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Salome Beacco.
Eyewitnesses said the incident descended into chaos after a group of individuals stormed the venue, overturning food sacks and forcing residents to scramble for supplies from the ground, leaving many, including elderly people, women and children, humiliated and distressed.
Residents alleged that the disruption was politically motivated, claiming the goons had been sent by one of the area leaders seeking to sabotage the exercise out of envy and political rivalry, diverting attention from the true purpose of the government programme to ease hunger among families facing severe food shortages.
Community representatives Mary Tom and Mary Warurii condemned the incident as unacceptable, inhumane and disrespectful to residents struggling amid harsh economic and climatic conditions, and said such behaviour should not be repeated in Karembu or elsewhere.
The locals expressed regret for the incident and urged the government to continue providing assistance, stressing that the actions of a few individuals should not lead to withdrawal of support.
Residents also called on authorities to put in place firm security measures to protect future relief food distribution exercises from interference and sabotage.
They issued a stern warning to politicians and individuals intent on disrupting government programmes, emphasizing that the community values peace, unity and development, and urgently needs any support provided to cushion families against hunger and drought.
