There has been a severe lack of water, which has halted farming in Mwea, Kirinyaga County.
Several local farmers have even complained that they can’t take showers because of the water shortage.
One farmer told the media that the Water Resources Management Authority had broken an agreement by diverting water from his field to a river.
“Nonetheless, we had a Memorandum of Understanding with interested parties and a plan for water distribution. But, the authorities arrived and forcibly broke a padlock, redirecting the water to the river “The farmer said.
Several farmers have been rendered helpless by the lack of water and have responded angrily and frustratedly to the circumstance.
Some have even resorted to breaking padlocks in order to get water, shouting slogans like “We haven’t bathed, we stink, we want water” (Hatujaoga, tunanuka, tunataka maji).
Farmers are demanding quick action to resolve the water shortage, which is harming not just farmland but also local institutions like schools and hospitals.
