A section of Nairobi MCAs have come in defence of Governor Johnson Sakaja claiming that the ongoing ‘war’ against the food program is politically motivated.
The over 10 ward reps who were speaking at city hall on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, hailed the program dubbed Dishi Na County describing it as a game changer for kids in the informal settlements.
“We are aware that the fight being waged against Governor Johnson Sakaja has everything to do with the politics of 2027. We know a cabal of power brokers aspirants for the position of governor and cartels who feel that the governor is moving too fast in bringing about development and dismantling the old systems,” part of the statement read by Mutuini MCA Martin Mwangi stated.
“The detractors want the government to fail for them to succeed. One of the major game changers they want to fail is the Dishi na County school feeding programme that is ensuring 250,000 children across the city receive ample and nutritious meals every school day,” the MCAs said.
This follows an online spat between Sakaja and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino on Sunday, over the Nairobi County school feeding program.
According to Babu, the feeding program launched in August has not been beneficial to Nairobi children.
“Each school should have a well-equipped kitchen and staff. Sakaja’s 10 kitchens cannot feed hundreds of thousands of learners in Nairobi. The ratio of kitchens to kids is ridiculous. But again, someone who ran away from school and is using fake degree certificates cannot understand these simple facts,” the MP wrote in a tweet.
Sakaja however dismissed the claims as propaganda saying so far, at least 80,000 children are being fed in the first phase of the programme.
“Resorting to propaganda won’t work. Using children for politics won’t work. The first phase of schools onboard has been receiving their hot meals daily and on time. All headteachers have been communicated with to continue their arrangements until the county signals the start of the next phase. Already, 80,000 children are enjoying meals at 5 bob during the phased implementation.”
