WIDESPREAD FAMINE IN SAMBURU

A widespread famine has emerged in eastern Samburu due to the loss of thousands of cattle during the February police attacks. The pastoralist tribe’s entire livestock holdings were confiscated in a violent operation, which took place during a severe drought. The drought was further complicated by a nationwide maize shortage, the result of an illegal sale of the country’s maize supply in October of this year. The Samburu are certain to perish from dehydration and starvation in the absence of their livestock because milk, which makes up 90 percent of their dietary intake, is their only source of protein and an important source of liquid.

Many of the survivors have untreated life-threatening injuries from gunshot wounds, shrapnel, burns, dehydration, and other injuries. There is also a cholera outbreak in local communities here. It is estimated that nearly 100 people have died from secondary causes in addition to those who were killed during the police raids and these numbers are expected to rise as volunteers locate the dead and injured who fled the attacks and as people weaken as widespread famine takes hold. KARE has brought teams of volunteers to search for survivors hidden in caves in nearby mountains, bringing in supplies of dry milk, emergency aid and medical supplies. The Samburu are in imminent danger of dying by starvation and of their injuries and need immediate assistance.