Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow has criticized the county government’s decision to relocate the 12th December Jamhuri Day celebrations in the county.
The celebrations are set to move from the county headquarters to Elwak Town. Kerrow described the move as “a dumb decision.”
He argued it is poorly timed, given the severe drought affecting the region. He urged leaders to prioritize relief efforts over celebrations.
Kerrow said while every leader in Mandera, including county officials, has been appealing for assistance to support drought-stricken residents, the county government is now set to spend millions of shillings moving the celebrations.
“The cost of moving these activities could run into millions of shillings. At a time when resources are urgently needed to help suffering residents, the county administration is prioritizing celebrations,” Kerrow said in a post on Facebook.
According to the former senator, the county government appears to be mimicking the national government’s practice of holding celebrations in different towns, despite the current humanitarian crisis.
He called on the county leadership and the county commissioner’s team to reconsider the decision and redirect the funds toward drought relief.
Yussuf Haji, a resident of Mandera said the misplaced priority has grown frustrations among residents and civic leaders.
He argued that the funds could provide essential support such as food, water, and medical assistance to those affected by the drought.
Lawmakers from Kenya’s North Eastern region have called on the government to urgently declare the ongoing drought a national disaster, citing severe food insecurity affecting over 2.1 million people in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL).
Speaking on behalf of the Northern Frontier Counties (NFC), Eldas MP Adan Keynan warned that the failure of the short rains has left many communities on the edge of crisis.
He urged authorities to implement immediate relief measures, coupled with long-term strategies, to safeguard livelihoods and prevent further hardship.
The Mandera county government did not issue a response by the time of going to press.
