City Affairs

290 families displaced as floods devastate Kitui village in Kamukunji

By Abdirahman Khalif | Monday, March 25, 2024

Many families prioritised the safety of their children who later found refuge at a nearby church.

At least 290 families in Kitui Village, Kamukunji Constituency have been left homeless by flash floods following Sunday night's heavy downpour.

The floods started at around 9 pm after the Nairobi River broke its banks, overwhelming hundreds of houses and displacing numerous residents.

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The affected families, mostly low-income earners, struggled with the sudden flash floods, as their houses were engulfed by water and belongings swept away. Some houses also collapsed under the force of the ravaging floods.

Residents stated that they salvaged whatever they could with many families prioritising the safety of their children, who later found refuge at a nearby church.

Kitui Village residents in Kamukunji assess damages caused by flash floods on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo: Eastleigh Voice)

Kitui Village residents in Kamukunji assess damages caused by flash floods on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/ Eastleigh Voice)

Metrine Naliaka, a mother who lives in Kitui Village, recounted the harrowing ordeal which saw her nearly lose her children. Naliaka was awakened by water invading her home at around 10 pm and in a few minutes, the level had risen to her waist.

With only moments to spare, she managed to save her children, but her possessions, including her mattress, were swept away, leaving her house submerged in mud and dirt.

"I have nothing left, everything is gone," lamented Naliaka, echoing the sentiments of countless others affected by the disaster.

Charles Kilonzo, the Chairman of Kitui Village, underscored the magnitude of the crisis, stating that over 293 families have been impacted by the floods. He called for urgent intervention by the government before the situation worsens.

"The chief has the list (of victims). If no help comes, residents will face more severe challenges," cautioned Kilonzo, highlighting the pressing need for swift assistance to alleviate suffering.

A house in Kitui village in Kamukunji submerged in mud after flash floods hits several parts of Nairobi on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/ Eastleigh Voice)

A house in Kitui village in Kamukunji submerged in mud after flash floods hit several parts of Nairobi on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/ Eastleigh Voice)

James Kamau, the Deputy County Commissioner of Kamukunji Sub-County, noted the severity of the situation, urging residents to relocate to safer locations as the rains were set to continue pounding.

"Don't move around the river, especially at night; there will be more rain," Kamau cautioned the residents that they risked drowning.

Already, a resident who was returning from the Gikomba Market succumbed to the floods.

Several schools within the area were also affected with learning activities disrupted. Early childhood development classes at Child Survival Primary School, were postponed until the floods and the rain subside.

Kitui Village residents in Kamukunji were among Naiorbi residents afected by flash floods on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo: Eastleigh Voice)

Kitui Village residents in Kamukunji were among Nairobi residents affected by flash floods on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/ Eastleigh Voice)