Nairobi — Thousands of people in Kinango District are in danger of starvation due to a conflict between two relief agencies, an MP has claimed.

For the last one-and-a-half months, no food aid has been distributed because of wrangling between the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and World Vision over who should be the lead agency for relief initiatives in the area.

Area MP Gonzi Rai on Friday said that although the district steering group had resolved that KRCS be in charge, the ministry of Special Programmes has been dragging its feet in implementing the decision.

In dire need

"This is putting the lives of people in danger," the MP said in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

An estimated 350,000 people have been affected by drought, a situation compounded by the human wildlife conflict. Statistics show that at least 65 per cent are in dire need of relief food.

"Despite formally protesting to the ministry over the conduct of the current lead agency, World Vision, I am yet to receive feedback on the matter," he said.

Mr Rai said he had also written to the ministry of Special Programmes and questioned its motive in retaining World Vision.

A KRCS official, Mohammed Abdi Noor denied the claims of a stalemate, saying that the decision to distribute food is made by the district steering group and the Kenya Food Security Chairing Group.

World Vision personnel also dismissed the claims, saying that all relief agencies are guided by the decisions of the district steering group.

Two weeks ago, Mr Rai also accused World Vision officials of harassing women and said numerous complaints had been made to him and other government officials.