By Peter Ochieng
The number of people who have died from flood instigated deaths across the country has hit 70.
This, is according to Deputy President (DP) Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting to review emergency response at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi, the Deputy President said since the onset of the current heavy rainfall, 70 people have lost their lives, 22 have been injured while eight are missing.
Additionally, he said that 131,179 people have been affected by the floods, including being displacement and their homes and properties submerged.
Similar to an appeal issued by his boss, President William Ruto a day ago, the second in command urged Kenyans to be responsible during this time of heavy downpour, for their own and other’s safety.
“We appeal to Kenyans to be responsible for their own lives and safety. Do not dare nature. In some instances, we have seen people being adventurous and daring to cross swollen rivers. We urge Kenyans to exercise caution and be responsible for their own lives. They must know they carry the aspirations of their families,” he stated.
Furthermore, the DP said the government has made several interventions, which include proposal for financial allocation of Sh4 billion for immediate response to the flooding menace.
“We are in discussions with the National Treasury and we are trying to put up Sh4 billion as an emergency fund. The National Youth Service (NYS) will be facilitated to resettle the displaced families, unblock drainages and waterways, and handle the spilling dams. The National Disaster Response Centre will be 24 hours open to monitor the situation in the country,”he added.
Other interventions by the government include resettlement of displaced families, restoration of bridges washed away by the raging waters, repair of critical infrastructure, activation of the National Disaster Response Centre and distribution of food, non-food and pharmaceutical items to the affected families.
The meeting was attended by a host of stakeholders, among them development partners, Kenya Private Sector Association, Cabinet Secretaries, government officials, Media Owners Association (MOA).
The Council of Governors (COG) was representated by governor Abdulswamad Nasir (Mombasa), and Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi).
“We thank the development partners for coming in and supporting the government’s efforts. Your response has been effective and we urge you to continue. We are grateful of the assistance offered by the Media Owners Association, which airtime worth Sh100 million to sensitize Kenyans on the rainfall situation,” said Gachagua.
This week, Azimio leader Raila Odinga urged President Ruto to declare floods a national disaster, so as to activate emergency response teams.