Bornice Biomndo
2 July 2009
Nairobi — Relief food distribution in Turkana Central is under threat due to a tussle between the area MP and some constituents over which agency should give it out.
The MP, Mr Ekwee Ethuro, however denied claims that the distribution had been halted due to the row.
While the constituents prefer World Vision, a Christian non-governmental organisation, to distribute World Food Programme and government provided food, Mr Ethuro is pushing for Kenya Red Cross to be granted the task.
At a news conference in Nairobi on Thursday, the residents under Turkana Central Community group, said the World Food Programme in June suspended provision of relief to the area due to the row.
"We ask the area member of Parliament to consider the well-being of the Turkana people and lead efforts to a return to normalcy in relief food distribution," said group spokesman Francis Mariao.
"The community has continued to bestow immense trust on World Vision based on its track record and implementation of programmes," he added.
But Mr Ethuro rubbished the residents' claims. "I have not been told of any suspension and I would be surprised that WFP and the government would deprive starving people of food just because of a disagreement," he said.
Mr Ethuro said lack of aid was because of the delay by the government in initiating the new Emergency Operation Programme which was to begin in May.
The decision to remove World Vision as the lead agency, he said, was made by the District Steering Committee after evaluations of their services found them to be wanting.
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