Floods aftermath: Opposition wants State to provide emergency shelter to affected

Opposition leaders now want the state to provide emergency shelter for persons affected by the ravaging rains that have caused floods in Nairobi.

In a statement on Sunday morning, DCP leader and ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said a government should not spare any effort or its resources in protecting the lives and property of its people.

“The National Government and the Nairobi City County Government must move with speed to provide evacuation support, emergency shelters, drainage clearance, relief food distribution, provision of medical care, and timely public information,” the DCP leader said.

He added, “As we urge caution and adherence to advisories issued by the Meteorologists, it is prudent that urgent and practical measures be taken to support affected Kenyans and their families beyond mere statements and ordinary promises.”

Gachagua said it is deeply painful and heartbreaking to lose human life and property during the ongoing rains, especially at a time when many Kenyans are already grappling with harsh economic realities.

“This disaster could have been mitigated through a proactive, sustained, and genuine commitment by the responsible authorities, rather than the knee-jerk reactions we often witness after tragedy has already struck,” he said.

The floods have so far claimed over 28 lives, washing away over 70 vehicles, with police saying several people are unaccounted for.

In a statement on X, the Kenya Red Cross stated that heavy rains had caused widespread flooding in Nairobi and surrounding areas, cutting off roads, damaging property, and displacing residents.

He added, “My heart goes out to our dear Kenyans who have lost lives and property in the devastating floods that have affected Nairobi and its environs this weekend. At this difficult and painful moment in your lives, I stand with you and offer my most sincere condolences and comfort.”

On his side, Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi said the floods have once again exposed the painful reality many Kenyans face whenever heavy rains fall.

Muturi said, Nairobi being the capital city, its drainage and infrastructure challenges can not be treated as a routine county issue but as a national responsibility that ought to have been addressed early enough.

“It’s therefore imperative that the Nairobi City County Government under Governor Johnson Sakaja works urgently with the National Government led by President William Ruto to implement lasting solutions,” Muturi said.

Muturi said the Nairobi Regeneration programme must be fast-tracked, and comprehensive sewerage and drainage works across the city must begin immediately.

“We continue to hear grand declaration about transforming about transforming from a third-world country into a first-world nation, the so-called ‘journey to Singapore’ championed by Ruto. But a fundamental question must be asked: how do we get there if something as basic as drainage in our capital city remains a recurring disaster?” Muturi posed.