Makueni County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi together with the County Security Team during a Press briefing at the County Commissioner's office. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Makueni County security agencies have intercepted a lorry ferrying stolen Government of Kenya relief food, dealing a major blow to individuals involved in the diversion of aid meant for drought-stricken families.
Speaking to the press, Makueni County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi confirmed that the interception was made on January 26 by a security patrol team in Nzaui Sub-County. The officers stopped a blue Isuzu FRR lorry, registration number KDK 260R, at Emali Township.
“The vehicle was being driven by one Francis Muthoka, a 30-year-old man, who could not produce valid documentation to justify the consignment he was transporting,” the County Commissioner said.
Upon inspection, security officers discovered that the lorry was carrying 250 bags of rice weighing 50 kilograms each, clearly branded with the Government of Kenya logo and packaged in white bags—an unmistakable indication that the food was part of government relief supplies.
Abdullahi stated that the rice was meant for vulnerable households affected by the ongoing drought but had been unlawfully diverted. Further verification by the County Security Committee revealed that the documents presented to support the transit of the goods were contradictory and did not match the contents of the truck.
“As a result, the driver and the vehicle were detained at Emali Police Station. The suspect remains in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court, likely tomorrow, to face charges related to the theft of relief food,” he said.
Describing the incident as deeply unfortunate, the County Commissioner noted that the government has invested significant resources to mitigate food shortages in drought-affected areas, making the diversion of relief supplies a grave offense.
He issued a stern warning to government officers, local administrators, and all individuals involved in the distribution of relief food, cautioning against unfair distribution and diversion of humanitarian supplies.
“Disciplinary and legal action will be taken against anyone found culpable, regardless of their status in society. Relief food is meant for vulnerable Kenyans, not for personal gain,” Abdullahi warned.
He commended the security officers for their swift action and assured the public that investigations are ongoing to establish all those involved in the scheme.
“We will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion. Anyone found to have participated in this criminal act will face the full force of the law,” he emphasized.
The interception comes amid heightened efforts by the government to ensure relief supplies reach intended beneficiaries as drought continues to affect several parts of the country.
