CS Mutua’s Turkey food mission ignites Twitter flames
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has stirred up social media after announcing that Kenya would send foodstuff to Turkey.
The announcement has since attracted varying opinions from Kenyans on Twitter (KOT). They called out the CS for neglecting Kenyans in the different parts of the country who are still languishing in hunger.
KOT told CS Mutua that charity begins at home, adding that although they sympathise with the Turkish citizens, the situation was direr in some counties.
Here are some of their reactions;
Meanwhile, in some parts of Kenya, people are relying on foreigners to feed themhttps://t.co/gApVDwiHQf
— Moz! 👻 (@MozDefinitely) February 7, 2023
As much as we sympathize with the disaster in Turkey, our own people are currently facing a severe drought and many have relied on relief food since mid 2022. I think we should look after our own before we consider the plight of others.
— Sam Kathae (@sam_kathae) February 7, 2023
Not to be incentive to the earthquake victims, but Kenyans are dying here of hunger.
— Michael Murumba (@mmurumba) February 7, 2023
@DrAlfredMutua aje sasa navenye drought inatumaliza sisi common man enyewe kuwa mkenya niku vimulia
— Willok (@Willoukom) February 7, 2023
mlisema hamna food stuff ya Turkana tuchange
— Kahira (@KahiraSharon) February 7, 2023
Haha sending food to turkana is where we draw the line https://t.co/nOuLa5Wag0
— WM® (@W17719m) February 8, 2023
Also read: Ruto condoles with the people of Turkey, Syria after following deadly earthquake
Three days ago, Turkey and Syria experienced an earthquake that left at least 5,000 dead, with more injured and many people yet to be found.
In solidarity with the affected countries, the Kenyan government said it would soon organise the transportation of foodstuffs, including tea, coffee, and nuts, to the two affected nations and called on Kenyans of goodwill to join this initiative.
Speaking during a joint press briefing with the Turkish Ambassador to Kenya Mr Subutay Yuksel, Dr Mutua said Kenya stands in solidarity with Turkey and Syria and shares in the deep pain they are experiencing following the natural disaster.
He added that Kenya would not just sit and watch television, talking about what is happening in Turkey, and instead urged Kenyans to donate whatever they can to help those affected by the earthquake.
“We have a responsibility to lend a hand to these two nations. I call upon Kenyans to join hands in extending material support that will alleviate human sufferings such as foodstuff, clothing, medical stuff, and finances among others,” he said.
To effectively conduct the process, Dr Mutua said they would communicate the collection points of the donated items in the next few days.
He, however, confirmed that no Kenyan was affected by the earthquake, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was constantly communicating with the Kenyan Embassy in Turkey for updates on happenings.
Also read: Restoration of Mombasa Road to begin in eight weeks