Mohamed Hassan, one of the Garissa farmers network, addressing
journalists at Farmers Training Network. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Farmers from Garissa are seeking to be enjoined in a case filed by ODM-nominated MP Umulkheir Harun against the state over perennial flooding along the River Tana.
The farmers said they fully support the case filed at the Garissa High Court, arguing that the recurring floods have for years destroyed crops, displaced families and devastated livelihoods across the region.
The MP sued the state over the constant flooding that has repeatedly swept away crops and caused untold suffering to communities.
Among those listed as respondents are Energy CS, Energy PS, the Kenya Electricity Generating Company, the Water Resources Authority and the Attorney General.
Harun said she moved to court in her capacity as a representative of the people to defend and fight for the rights of residents affected by floods allegedly caused by dams upstream.
Abdullahi Haji Abdi, a farmer speaking to the press./STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
Speaking on Wednesday, the farmers, led by Garissa Farmers Network chairman Mohamed Hassan, described the legal action as long overdue.
Addressing journalists at the Garissa Farmers Training College (FTC), Hassan who was flanked by fellow farmers, said communities farming along the River Tana have suffered massive losses whenever floods occur.
“Year in year out, thousands of acres of crops are swept away, livelihoods destroyed, families pushed deeper into poverty and food insecurity worsened across the region, yet the government does absolutely nothing in terms of compensating us,” Hassan said.
He noted that despite repeated appeals, meetings, memoranda and pleas to the relevant authorities, no lasting solution has been found to address the recurring disaster.
“As farmers, we believe this legal action presents a critical opportunity to compel responsible institutions to take urgent and concrete measures to protect lives, farms and livelihoods along River Tana,” he added.
Amina Issa, a committee member of the farmers network, said many who solely depend on farming for survival have been reduced to destitution.
She said most can no longer adequately provide for their families, including paying school fees for their children.
“So as farmers, we wish to state clearly that we shall support this lawsuit 100 per cent and stand firmly behind all efforts aimed at securing justice and long-term intervention for us,” Amina said.
She added that farmers would mobilise support from Garissa Township, Fafi and Balambala subcounties, as well as other affected areas along River Tana, to ensure the case receives strong backing from victims of the floods.
Another farmer, Abdullahi Haji, described the case as a fight for the survival and dignity of thousands of farmers.
“This is not merely a legal battle; it is a fight for the dignity, survival and economic future of thousands of hardworking farmers whose only demand is a permanent and sustainable solution to this perennial problem,” he said.
Haji noted that the effects of the floods extend beyond crop farming to bee keeping and the availability of fodder for livestock. She called on leaders, stakeholders, civil society organisations and humanitarian agencies to support the affected communities.
In her suit, MP Harun, who has consistently advocated for a permanent solution to the flooding crisis, said it was time for the relevant government agencies to be held accountable.
She noted that over the last two years, she has been on the ground gathering data and documenting the impact of floods on residents of Garissa and Tana River counties.
The High Court has directed that the application be served on all respondents.
