Officials suspended for aid mishap

NAIROBI- - Kenya said on Sunday it had suspended four regional officials for mismanagement of aid in its drought-stricken north where there have been reports of people stealing and selling sacks of food relief.

The four "have not managed food distribution properly" and have been sent on compulsory leave, Security Minister John Michuki said in a statement.

Millions across east Africa are facing hunger and drought, with Kenya one of the worst-affected countries. At least several dozen people and thousands of livestock have died, and the government says four million people are facing hunger.

President Mwai Kibaki's government has already been criticised for its late response to the crisis. But reports of inefficient relief distribution, and of food aid being stolen and sold on by officials, have heightened the outrage.