NLP calls for accountability after deadly Nairobi floods

The National Liberal Party (NLP) has called for an urgent audit of drainage and flood management systems in Nairobi following devastating floods triggered by Friday’s heavy rains that left several people dead and displaced many families across the capital.

In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s leader, Dr Augustus Muli, said it was unacceptable that Kenya’s capital city continues to grind to a halt whenever heavy rains occur.

“The scenes witnessed across Nairobi — submerged roads, stranded families, destroyed homes, and lives cut short — are a painful reminder of a crisis that this city has endured repeatedly over the years,” Muli said.

He noted that the recent floods had once again exposed serious weaknesses in the city’s drainage infrastructure and disaster preparedness systems.

“It is unacceptable that a modern capital city continues to grind to a halt whenever heavy rains fall. Nairobi residents deserve a city that can withstand predictable weather events without descending into chaos and tragedy,” he added.

According to preliminary reports, the floods have already claimed more than twenty lives while displacing hundreds of residents. Several estates across the city reported severe flooding that damaged homes, businesses, vehicles, and critical infrastructure.

Muli expressed sympathy to the victims and families affected by the disaster, saying the party was deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction.

“It is with a heavy heart that we express our most heartfelt remorse and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones,” he said. “Our deepest sympathies also go to the thousands of residents whose homes, businesses, and livelihoods have been swept away by the raging waters.”

The National Liberal Party leader Dr Augustus Muli at a past event/FILE

The NLP leader called on both the national government and the Nairobi City County Government to take responsibility for what he described as recurring failures in urban planning and disaster response.

“While we mourn with the affected families, we must also speak the truth: this disaster did not occur in a vacuum,” Muli said. “For years, Kenyans have been promised lasting solutions to the perennial flooding that affects Nairobi every rainy season.”

He pointed out that previous flooding disasters across Kenya had already prompted government commitments to improve drainage systems, clear blocked waterways, and protect riparian land from encroachment.

“Successive governments have pledged to strengthen drainage systems, enforce environmental regulations, and relocate families living along dangerous riverbanks. Yet every heavy rainfall continues to expose the same failures,” he said.

Muli also demanded immediate emergency support for affected residents, including shelter, food, and medical assistance.

“The government must move quickly to provide emergency shelter, food supplies, and medical support for families who have lost everything,” he said.

Beyond emergency relief, he emphasized the need for long-term solutions to address Nairobi’s flood crisis.

“The government must outline long-term investments in modern drainage infrastructure and enforce riparian protection laws. The lives of Nairobi residents cannot continue to be treated as collateral damage of poor planning and broken promises,” Muli said.

He warned that temporary relief measures without structural reforms would only perpetuate the cycle of tragedy.

“The time for statements and temporary relief has long passed. What the people of Nairobi need now is action, accountability, and leadership,” he added.