Reports on hunger strike in Kenya has got many people talking and giving their own opinions directed to government bodies responsible.
Many Kenyans have expressed their anger on Twitter over the ongoing famine in 13 counties across the country.
The patriots’ ire, which began the day a number of deaths were reported online, was further fueled by Red Cross’ appeal for Sh825 million for interventions to support more than 300,000 households in affected counties.
Red Cross secretary general Abbas Gullet, said the counties worst hit by the famine include Wajir, Tana River, West Pokot, Tharaka Nithi, Samburu, Nyeri, Marsabit, Laikipia, Mandera, Lamu, Kitui, Kilifi, Isiolo, Garissa, Embu, Baringo and Turkana.
In solidarity, KOT ganged up using the hashtag #RedCrossTumechoka to express their disappointments, saying it’s the responsibility of the state to ensure Kenyans do not starve.
They reprimanded Gullet for not being accountable in the past.
“It is high time we united in saying enough is enough. Looters and thieves cannot keep stealing from us in billions under govt watch then request us to donate to RedCross. No. Let them first publish detailed accounts of the 2011,” Mutie Mule said.
“Before Red Cross comes to us with another con game, they must tell Kenyans how they spent the Sh1bn that we contributed. Does he want to build another hotel? Abass Gullet also should come out and tell us who supplies Boma hotel, I hear his wife is biggest supplier.”Reads part of Bel Akinyi tweet.
Moments later, the hashtag #JubileeTumechoka was coined and has been trending for the better part of the day.
Some of the netizens who have used the hashtag have attacked the Jubilee government for the problems facing Kenyans.
They blamed the ongoing famine to looters who have milked the country dry.
“This government can no longer be sustained, it’s overstayed its welcome and it no longer is profitable. It’s time to cut ties, Juu-bill-ee = hii bill iko juu #JubileeTumechoka,” Clinton Chogo wrote.
A section of the people behind the hashtag felt it was not right to attack Red Cross, but the people in government.
Martha Karua, Leader of NARC Kenya, said “#RedCrossTumechoka my prefered hashtag #JubileeTumechoka After all this is a jubilee government not @KenyaRedCross.”
“Anger should be directed to government not @KenyaRedCross #JubileeTumechoka,” she added.
“Can we make this #JubileeTumechoka real and hit the streets like Algerians before this corrupt regime brings the country to its knees.they know we will rant online for hours the things get back to normal, we need a revolution,” Kneller wrote.
“The 21 Billion stolen in Arror and Kimwarer dams scandal, by DP Ruto allies, is more than enough to construct 47 ultra Modern hospitals in all Counties. Pay Doctors, Teachers and Buy Medicines.
#JubileeTumechoka,” Mwanduz posted.
“Let us meet in street just one week is enough to send this team of looters away #JubileeTumechoka,” Benlanga said.
Some felt Kenyans will never recover from the ongoing loot in government as they [Kenyans] have a tendency of ‘recycling’ leaders.
“The sad truth is that those who voted for UhuRuto will most definitely vote for the next worse political leader. #JubileeTumechoka,” Wesh Weru said.
Some blamed President Uhuru Kenyatta for miseries Kenyans have been exposed to.
“Uhuru Kenyatta CANNOT lecture anyone on corruption. His sister benefitted from Ksh5B Afya House scandal, his brother was named in the sugar importation saga, his family is alleged to have illegally acquired land in many parts of Kenya. Hii ni kizungu mingi tu #JubileeTumechoka,” laura Kyalo said.
Local media reports reports indicate that several people have lost their lives in the ongoing drought situation.
However, the government has issued several statements saying there should be no cause for alarm as no Kenyan has lost their life.
The government said on Monday that it had released Sh2 billion to facilitate drought intervention.
The council of governors also reported that they have distributed 11,740 bags of maize to mitigate famine in the affected counties.
A report by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) blames the rising cases of food insecurity to below-average 2018 short rains, livestock diseases, invasions by pests and intercommunal fights in areas of northern Kenya where pastoral farming is practised.
“The below-average short rains have slightly increased the food insecure population from 655,800 in August 2018 to the current 1,111,500, with the top 12 counties having a total of 865,300 food-insecure people,” the report states.