By Peter Ochieng
Lawyer Joshua Miguna Miguna has highlighted some of the causes of perennial flooding in Nairobi.
Currently, some roads have proved impassable, estates inaccessible, people getting displaced, and over 10 people reported dead due to heavy downpour.
Miguna who unsuccessfully contested for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2017 has linked the situation to absence of drainage and storm water systems, which he says should be part of all urban planning, and wanton encroachments on riparian wetlands, rivers and forests.
He said land grabbing and unplanned development, embezzlement of public funds meant for urban planning and infrastructure development and lack of emergency response and neglect, are also part of the problem.
According to the vocal advocate, going forward, Nairobians should elect visionary leaders as a remedy to the challenge of flooding.
“Elect leaders of integrity with visionary plans and commitment for the public good and who will not plunder resources meant for the 5 items above,” he posted on his X page.
On Wednesday, Azimio leader Raila Odinga urged President William Ruto to declare floods a national disaster.
He said the Head of State should make a declaration now, so as to activate emergency mechanisms, including military response teams.
“It is our urgent appeal that the President and government hereby declare the floods a national disaster and immediately activate all emergency mechanisms, including military disaster response teams,”said the opposition Chief.
Odinga said as a humanitarian agency, the Kenya Red Cross Society should launch an emergency response kitty, in a bid to reach out to affected Kenyans.
“The Red Cross moves to launch an emergency disaster support kitty to assist families affected by the flooding, for urgent distribution on case by case basis.”
He revealed that Azimio MPs had contributed Sh1 million to be handed over to Red Cross for humanitarian aid, adding that the flooding situation may worsen.
“As we speak the Azimio MPs assembled here have already put together the sum of Sh1 million as a start which shall be given to the Red Cross in Nairobi for distribution to the affected people.”
He spoke after President Ruto engaged leaders in counties and regions affected by the ongoing heavy rains.
The President directed the ministries of Interior and EAC, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, and the National Youth Service to immediately respond to the situation caused by the floods.
Raila’s call came hours after four bodies of people suspected to be flood victims were retrieved from Mathare River. The number has reportedly risen to 12.