Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko addresses the Press at his office on May 13, 2025. [Anne Atieno, Standard]
Governor Ochillo Ayacko's administration has refuted claims that food meant for residents affected by emergencies has been distributed to churches holding camp meetings instead of being reserved for disaster response as the county prepares for the expected El Niño rains.
The allegations were raised by North Kadem Member of County Assembly (MCA) Samson Obonyo, who questioned the alleged distribution of relief food to churches during ongoing camp meeting gatherings held by the Seventh Day Adventist church.
Obonyo said the county had allocated Sh44.2 million in the 2026/27 financial year budget for emergency preparedness and response.
He further said the county government, through the Department of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Natural Resources, had purchased relief supplies, including 500 bags of maize, 900 bags of rice, 500 bags of sugar and 500 bundles of wheat flour, alongside other non-food items.
The MCA expressed concern that the supplies could be depleted before emergencies arising from the anticipated heavy rains, leaving vulnerable residents without adequate assistance.
The county government dismissed the allegations, saying food being distributed to vulnerable people through churches and other community platforms was obtained through support from well-wishers and was not purchased using funds set aside for emergency preparedness and response.