COTU calls for apt response to drought crisis

The Government has been asked to declare the current drought situation in the country a national disaster.

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli says that government officials should go beyond visiting the affected areas to ensure that adequate food is availed to those who need it.

“We have enough resources to sustain our current population in Kenya. As a country, we do not have to rely on foreign aid because our farmers can produce enough to feed us all,” said Mr. Atwoli.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at the COTU headquarters, Mr. Atwoli said that it is unfortunate that politicians are moving around the country waging early campaigns while Kenyans are dying of hunger. He further called upon members of parliament from the affected areas to resign because the government they serve has failed to meet the needs of the electorate.

“The casual manner in which this government handles issues shows that they don’t value human life.  Poverty anywhere constitutes danger everywhere,” Mr. Atwoli said.

According to the Kenya Red Cross society, the current drought situation is affecting over 3.5 million people in Kenya, with at least 290,000 children below the age of five years facing different levels of malnutrition. The most affected areas include Garisa, Mandera, Marsabit, Moyale, East Pokot, Ijara, Lamu, Kwale and Tanariver.

Meanwhile, COTU has announced that it will take a firm stand in next year’s general election instead of letting members to decide for themselves whom to elect. However, according to the organisation’s secretary general Francis Atwoli, the is no one among the current presidential hopefuls who is fit to lead this country.

“All those going around the country declaring their presidential ambitions are tribal self-seekers who do not have the interests of Kenya at heart,” said Mr. Atwoli.

He tore into those who are busy campaigning while there are still many issues of national importance that need to be tackled. Atwoli announce that COTU with establish a fully-equipped media outlet to educate Kenyans on their rights as we head to a general election next year.

Mr. Atwoli further urged the government to offer workers a general wage increase of 10 percent to cushion them against the high cost of living.

“I am paid well to speak for the common man but the workers I represent are suffering,” said Mr. Atwoli.

During the Labour Day celebrations this year, COTU asked for the minimum wage to be increased for up to 60 percent. A reconciliation committee was formed to look into the issue but its report is yet to be released.