MP Kimilu wants politicians kept out of famine relief food distribution.

Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu speaking to journalists at  Makongo in his constituency on Monday/Musembi Nzengu.

Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu has raised concerns over alleged political interference in the distribution of relief food to hunger-stricken residents of Makueni county.

The legislator claimed that some politicians had infiltrated the relief food distribution system to gain political mileage as food scarcity and famine continue to bite.

Kimilu called on authorities in the national government’s Special Programmes department to keep politicians out of the exercise, arguing that relief food distribution does not fall within their mandate.

He urged the government to clarify who is responsible for distributing relief food to vulnerable residents in Kaiti. He questioned whether the role lies with elected leaders or officers from the national government administration.

“What I know is that national government administrative officers—from the county commissioner to chiefs — should play a leading role in the distribution of relief food in our rural areas to avoid conflict of interest,” Kimilu said.

The MP also expressed concern over sacks of relief food reportedly stored at a government warehouse in Mikuyuni since the Christmas season. He alleged aspiring politicians were manipulating the supplies.

According to Kimilu, some politicians and their supporters are seeking cheap publicity by taking control of the distribution process and issuing food directly to residents.

He further alleged that part of the stored relief food was being secretly diverted by unscrupulous individuals, with some rebranding the sacks and reselling the supplies.

“Greedy individuals are rebranding the sacks and reselling it, leaving the needy to suffer,” he said.

Kimilu said intended beneficiaries continued to suffer while food meant to assist them remained undistributed or was allegedly misappropriated.

The MP made the remarks on Monday while distributing education bursaries to needy students at Kilala chief’s camp.

He also urged parents to guide their children to take their studies seriously, describing education as a game-changer for rural communities.

Kimilu said all stakeholders must work together to ensure children attain higher levels of education.

Drawing from his experience, he noted well-wishers supported his academic journey, enabling him to succeed.