Residents of Gachie, Kiambu County, have staged a prolonged demonstration at Kihara Police Station, calling for the immediate distribution of relief food that has been in storage for over half a year.
The crisis, which has been simmering for months, reached a boiling point on Saturday, July 13, when hundreds of frustrated community members converged on the station as early as 3 AM.
The unrest stems from the prolonged delay in distributing essential supplies intended for flood victims. These supplies, including food, blankets, and mattresses, were donated by the government and various well-wishers earlier in the year.
However, they have remained undistributed at the police station, causing growing resentment among the intended beneficiaries. These early morning protests come at a time when Kenya is grappling with protests against finance bill.
Anger Directed at MP Kawanjiku
The situation first escalated on Wednesday when residents initially stormed the police station, demanding the release of the aid. Their anger was primarily directed at the local Member of Parliament, John Njuguna, also known as Kawanjiku.
Social media platforms have been ablaze with videos showcasing the community’s mounting frustration and desperation.
On Saturday, the situation intensified further when rumors circulated that MP Njuguna planned to relocate the supplies from the police station. This prompted a pre-dawn gathering of determined residents, intent on preventing any such move.
The Distribution Will Commence Next Week
In response to the escalating crisis, MP Njuguna Wanjiku made an appearance at the station to address the agitated crowd. He later posted on social media, stating,
“We had an incredibly π πππππ ππ and ππππππππ ππ engagement with the people of Kihara Ward and representatives from the other 4 Wards at the Kihara Police Station.”
MP Njuguna Wanjiku acknowledged the crisis and further stated,
“I am pleased to announce that we have reached a consensus on the modalities to ensure everyone who deserves it benefits. The distribution will commence next week.”
However, this announcement failed to pacify the residents, who returned to the police station, insisting on immediate action rather than further delays.
Non-governmental organizations involved in the donation have defended the prolonged storage, citing the need for careful packing and preparation for distribution. Under mounting pressure, these organizations have now committed to commencing the distribution process in the coming week.
