Reports of Kenyans Dying of Hunger are Fake News, Deputy President William Ruto Says

Deputy President William Ruto says no Kenyan has lost his life as a result of starvation caused by the drought that has hit 12 counties.

Speaking during the official opening of the 1st Inter-Professional Summit in Shanzu, Mombasa, Ruto has dismissed hunger death reports as fake news.

“There is a lot of fake news around what is happening in Kenya. For example, we were told the other day that 11 people had died… that is not true from where I sit and from all professionals that we have,” says Ruto.

Ruto also says the government has arrested a Chief and other individuals who have been quoted in the press claiming that people have died of hunger.

“In fact, the chief and the other fellows who faked death we’ve taken them in for questioning because these are people who are playing with a very serious matter involving human lives,” adds Ruto.

Various local news outlets have reported that at least 21 people have so far lost their lives due to starvation. Majority of the deaths have been reported in Baringo County.

The drought-stricken counties include Turkana, Baringo, Samburu, Marsabit, Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Kilifi, Tana River, Makueni, West Pokot, Kajiado, Kwale, and Wajir.

Ruto further says the government is in control of the drought situation and there should be no cause for alarm.

He points out that Sh2 billion have been released for the supply of food and water to the 1.1 million Kenyans facing starvation.

On Monday, National Disaster Management Authority CEO James Oduor acknowledged that deaths have been reported but noted they were as a result of illness and not hunger.

“Yes… The deaths are there but according to the reports we have received, those deaths are linked to maybe sicknesses and other issues but not drought,” said Oduor.