Police station submerged as floods ravage Mombasa

The heavy downpour experienced in Mombasa on Sunday and Monday led to flooding in parts of Junda, Likoni and Nyali.

In Likoni, Inuka police station was among the worst-affected facilities after floodwaters submerged parts of the facility, forcing a complete halt of operations.

A police report confirmed the station was partially submerged following the heavy rains, resulting in the destruction of key station records, including files and exhibits.

Sixteen suspects, who were being held at the station, were evacuated and transferred to Shelly Beach police station for their safety and continued processing.

A video circulating online showed police officers struggling to divert floodwaters that had engulfed the entire station, including the Occurrence Book (OB) desk, cells, the OCS office and other administrative offices.

In Junda, several homes were submerged, while in parts of Nyali, major roads became impassable, disrupting movement and daily activities.

Residents of Ng’ombeni in Junda ward have called for urgent intervention to address the persistent flooding, which they say has worsened over time.

Several roads were rendered impassable after the intense rains that began on Sunday morning and continued into Monday, leaving families displaced and homes cut off.

Frustrated residents accused authorities of neglect, saying repeated appeals for improved drainage systems have gone unanswered.

They warned of a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases due to stagnant water.

Asia Chingo, a resident of Ng’ombeni, said the floods have severely impacted the community.

“The rains have greatly affected us; children are already showing signs of schistosomiasis [bilharzia] and diarrhoea. We want the government to provide a lasting solution through proper drainage systems,” she said.

“Luckily, schools are currently closed; otherwise, children would have missed classes. We appeal to the government to act swiftly and ensure roads are reconstructed.” 

Resident Gilbert Yagumba said the area has remained waterlogged since Sunday, forcing some families to leave their homes.

“We want the government to construct a proper drainage system to channel this water into the ocean so residents can get relief. Otherwise, we will continue suffering every time it rains. This has become our reality,” he said.

Boda boda rider Baresa Soita decried the worsening road conditions, saying the situation has increased the cost of maintaining motorcycles.

“Our leaders have turned a blind eye to our suffering. Our area is flooded, as you can see. We need urgent intervention from the county government to drain the water. Some residents don’t even know where they will sleep as the rains persist,” he said.