By Reporter
The vulnerable Muslim community in Kwale County has reason to smile after the government donated food to help poor families during Ramadan.
The foodstuff was donated to Mwakwenyeni residents in the Lunga-Lunga sub-county by the Mining CS Salim Mvurya accompanied by Governor Fatuma Achani.
The food included beans, rice, cooking oil, salt, maize, and wheat flour, among other items.
Mvurya assured that the government cares about the welfare of everyone and that more food will be distributed in various areas to help those fasting break their fast with ease.
“President William Ruto has assigned me to deliver this food to you. “He knows Muslims are fasting and require assistance,” he said.
Mvurya said the exercise targets vulnerable Muslims across the country and Kwale is among the targeted counties.
He said more food is yet to be distributed to vulnerable Muslim faithful in the region to enable them to fast and perform their prayers effectively.
The CS said the Kenya Kwanza government is concerned and respects various religious communities.
The food donation follows appeals by various Muslim leaders to cushion people from the high cost of foodstuff during the Month of Ramadhan.
The leaders decried that prices had doubled up with many locals unable to cope with the hiked food prices and high cost of living standards.
Last week, the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics Secretary, Sheikh Amani Mwachirumu, pleaded with the national government to consider lowering commodity prices as Muslims began the holy month of Ramadan.
Mwachirumu said Kenyans including Muslims are enduring tough economic times due to the high cost of living.
“Things are very tough, the price of commodities has skyrocketed and I am afraid many Muslims won’t be able to afford food. We call for quick government interventions,” he said.
However, Mvurya said the government is committed to lowering the food prices and making things easy for all Kenyans.
He said since Ruto took over power a lot of things are bouncing back to normal including food prices and the economy.
Mvurya urged the Muslim faithful to embrace holiness, peace and forgiveness and remember the less fortunate in the community during the month of Ramadhan and make it their habit.
“Share the little you have with your neighbours, and observe peace and pray for one another and this great country,” he said.
The CS also urged the area leaders to ensure the food reaches the targeted people and promised more interventions.
The Muslim Community commenced their 30 days of fasting on Monday and Tuesday. It is an annual ritual performed by Muslims Worldwide.
Achani said the county will work closely with the national government to support all religious communities.
She said the gesture is to strengthen unity, peace and religious tolerance.
Achani took the opportunity to wish all Muslims a blessed Ramadhan and prosperous lives.
“May Allah bless you and guide you along the right way,” she said.
A local Hamis Mwandiro hailed the government for distributing food.
He said the food donations are critical because they came at a time when many Kenyans are struggling due to a lack of cash and an increase in the cost of living.
Mwandiro said the food is enough to last him a few weeks and that he appreciates the government’s efforts to help its citizens.
“It is a relief because the food will last us for a few days, and we thank the President for that,” he said.
Another local, Mwanamisi Ali, stated that she has been surviving on ugali and that now that relief food has arrived, she will be able to eat a more balanced diet.
Ali stated that she would not be left out and would prepare iftar like the rest of Kenyans during Ramadan.
“I will make chapatis and eat them with my family.” “What a beautiful Ramadan,” she said.
Later, Mvurya and Achani commissioned Makwenyeni Dispensary and a staff house in the Lunga-Lunga Subcounty.
The dispensary will serve over 1500 residents from four villages: Makwenyeni A, B, C, and Mkomani.
The county government intends to bring improved health care closer to ordinary citizens.
