President William Ruto has called for an urgent Cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday morning to address the escalating flood crisis in the nation. The devastating floods, which have claimed the lives of nearly 170 individuals over the past month, have prompted heightened concern and necessitated immediate government action, as conveyed by Isaac Mwaura, the government’s spokesperson.
The recent tragic incident near Mai Mahiu, located approximately 60km from Nairobi, resulted in the loss of approximately 45 lives as entire villages were swept away by floodwaters. However, the Kenya Red Cross has reported an even higher death toll, estimating around 50 fatalities.
President Ruto acknowledged criticisms regarding the perceived sluggishness of the government’s response to the flood emergency, particularly from local authorities. Despite this, he defended the government’s efforts and expressed determination to explore additional measures to alleviate the flood impact during the forthcoming Cabinet meeting.
In response to inquiries about declaring the floods a national disaster, President Ruto emphasized the priority of ensuring affected areas receive immediate assistance. While the possibility of such a declaration remains under consideration, the primary focus remains on addressing the urgent needs of affected communities.
With meteorologists forecasting further rainfall in the region, the government has taken precautionary measures, including the continued closure of schools. The flood disaster has forced over 130,000 individuals to evacuate their homes, with many seeking refuge in makeshift shelters such as schools. The impending Cabinet meeting underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to coordinating an effective response to mitigate the humanitarian crisis caused by the floods.