Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) were an angry lot on Friday after stating that they do not intend to contribute towards alleviating the food crisis experienced in some parts of the country.
Through the hashtag #RedCrossTumechoka, netizens expressed their frustration at how the government imposes heavy taxes on them but lacks adequate plans to curb such situations.
Many stated that they have been generously contributing towards such initiatives but the country never learns.
This came after The Kenya Red Cross Society launched an appeal for aid seeking Sh Sh824,554,720 to assist hunger-stricken Kenyans in; Wajir, Tana River, West Pokot, Tharaka Nithi, Samburu, Nyeri, Marsabit, Laikipia, Mandera, Lamu, Kitui, Kilifi, Isiolo, Garissa, Embu, Baringo and Turkana counties.
Secretary-General Abbas Gullet singled out Tiaty ( Baringo County), Loyangalani in Turkana and Wajir as the most affected and called on Kenyans to contribute towards this initiative.
Netizens, however, maintained that it was the government’s responsibility to ensure Kenyans do not die of starvation and called for transparency in handling finances during such periods.
Here are some of the reactions:
Ezra Chilobae: “Government. Choose one, either we donate or we pay tax. What the meaning of Government? They drive V8 and they can't help poor people. They still want the same poor Kenyans to help poor people.”
Abedizzo Abedy?: “If the government claims that hunger situation is FAKE news then why is Redcross saying tuwachangie to fight hunger TUMECHOKA na KUCHANGA.”
Boniface Mwenda: “The same government that is hunting me from helb wants me to feed its citizens,government feed your people.”
KanaJ: “We have contributed this through the numerous taxes we pay, let the government take responsibility.”
Willis Raburu: “I think that we need to be real with ourselves and hold people to account, I believe that it is critical to have alternative voices, courageous voices #RedCrossTumechoka and #KenyansForKenya simply shows that the public demand more than just rhetoric. It is time!”
Ndege Serikal: “We have been giving Kenyan Pastors, Bishops, Prophets and Prophetesses our tithes and offerings to store for us in Heaven. Its time they bring back just half of that wealth they're storing for us in heaven, to help feed our fellow Kenyans.”
On Thursday, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa played down fears of starvation in the country saying there are four million bags of maize that will be distributed to the affected counties.