IJARA – Mohamed Bashir, a 2027 Ijara Constituency election hopeful, launched a second round of food distribution in Ijara and Bothai sub-counties on Wednesday.
Known as “Mobash,” he’s targeting local communities with the move aimed at addressing community needs during Ramadan.
The food handouts coincide with the sacred month, when fasting and charity take center stage. Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
It is also a period of immense charity, where Muslims are encouraged to support the less fortunate.
The act of giving, particularly in the form of food, holds great significance, as it embodies the core Islamic values of generosity, kindness, and unity.
Mr. Bashir and his team provided essential food items, including rice, flour, sugar, and cooking oil, ensuring that families observing the fast had enough to sustain them during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal to break the fast).
His initiative comes at a crucial time when many households are struggling due to economic challenges.
The beneficiaries of the food distribution expressed deep appreciation for the timely assistance.
“This is a true blessing for us,” said Amina Yusuf, a mother of five from Ijara.
“We have struggled this month to put food on the table, but now, thanks to Mobash, we can observe Ramadan with less worry. May Allah bless him abundantly,” said Mrs. Amina.
Bashir’s food distribution comes at a critical time when many families in Garissa County are struggling to survive due to prolonged drought.
Wells, water pans, and rivers have dried up, leaving homesteads without food or water.
The situation has forced household heads to migrate with their livestock in search of pasture, leaving families vulnerable.
Sheikh Ahmed Omar, a local farmer from Bothai sub-county, shared his gratitude.
“Ramadan is a time of unity and sacrifice, and Mobash has shown what true leadership means. His generosity reminds us that we are not alone. The people of Bothai will always remember this kindness,” said Sheikh Omar.
Bashir explained that his efforts were driven by a desire to continue his mother’s charitable work.
After her passing, he took on the responsibility of upholding the legacy she had established.
“Ramadan teaches us to be compassionate and mindful of those who have less,” Mr. Bashir said.
“This is not just charity; it is our duty as a community. I will continue to stand with my people, now and always.”
Garissa has lost 40% of its livestock, dealing a severe blow to pastoralists who rely on their animals for survival. With cattle either dead or too weak to fetch a good price, the livestock market is in crisis.
Goats, once a valuable asset, are now selling for as little as Kes 2,000 due to poor conditions and depressed markets.
Families that once thrived on livestock trade now struggle to put food on the table.
Ramadan, the sacred month of Muslims weaves fasting with generosity, blending discipline and compassion into a singular spiritual tapestry.
Beyond abstaining from food and drink, the essence of Ramadan shines in acts of giving—sharing iftar meals, offering zakat, or aiding those in need.
These gestures, multiplied in reward, bind communities together, reminding Muslim communities that empathy is as vital as restraint.