Ekuru Aukot calls for accountability of Sh16 billion US drought fund
Lawyer-cum-politician Ekuru Aukot has called for accountability of the Sh16 billion that government of the United States donated to Kenya to fight hunger through First Lady Jill Biden.
At the same time Dr Aukot has questioned why there had not been any water or food donated to the Northern region even after the US donation. He further claimed that President William Ruto and his administration are already misappropriating the funds.
Additionally, Aukot expressed fear that President Ruto could be buying MPs who are affiliated with the opposition who visit State House.
My reflections on matters our Country Kenya:
1. The Kenyan shilling falls daily against the dollar. This is troubling. I dare ask: What happened to 16 billion shillings Jill Biden brought for relief of hunger? How come no water or food has been delivered to the North?— Dr. Ekuru Aukot (@EAukot) March 16, 2023
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Aukot also claimed that President Ruto is fixated with the 2027 elections at the expense of the economy.
“A friend is totally convinced that the money is instead being used to buy politicians and erect 15-foot high perimeter walls around State House? There is more concern for 2027 than fixing current problems affecting the country,” he said.
The grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was expected to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of more than 1.3 million Kenyans who are most affected by the drought, especially in the arid and semi-arid counties.
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In addition, USAID would provide emergency food items including sorghum, maize, yellow split peas, and vegetable oil for families living in areas where local markets are not functioning.
Just a day before Jill Biden visited the country, Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya leadership, while addressing their supporters at Jeevanjee Gardens, called on Kenyans to welcome the US First Lady and also share their plight.
The coalition has also been pushing the government to lower the prices of commodities.
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