Kamukunji's Kitui Village residents urged to evacuate after floods warning
By Charity Kilei |
Despite the plea, some residents were reluctant to move, citing financial constraints and a lack of alternatives.
Residents of Kitui Village in Kamukunji Sub-county, who live along riverbanks, have been asked to move to higher ground following the weatherman's warning of heavy rains and floods.
The Kenya Meteorological Department issued the warning on Monday, saying its forecast for April 2 to 8 showed heavy downpours and flooding were expected in the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, Southeast Lowlands, Coast, Northeast, and Northwest.
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In response to the warning, Majengo Assistant Chief Joshua Mburu organised a grassroots initiative, going door to door in Kitui Village to inform residents of the risks and urge them to move to higher ground.
"When it rains, many lives are at risk," Mburu noted. "I'm reaching out personally to rally community members to move away from the riverbanks. We cannot afford to lose any more lives."
A combination picture of Majengo Assistant Chief Joshua Mburu rallying residents of Kitui Village in Kamukunji Sub-county to move from riverbanks, ahead of heavy rains and possible flooding, during his tour of the area on April 2, 2024.(Photo: Justine Ondieki)
The administrator stressed the importance of heeding government advice.
"The government urges you to relocate to higher ground for at least the next seven days, as recommended by the meteorological department," he said, adding that precautions must be taken, especially since children are home from school for the holidays.
Kitui Village chairperson Nzioka Kilonzo speaks to journalists on April 2, 2024, when he urged residents to move to safe locations following a floods warning. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Recounting the devastation caused by last week's floods, Kitui Village chairperson Nzioka Kilonzo said he was determined to prevent further suffering.
"We rescued people from rooftops and others trapped in the mud. It was a harrowing experience," he said, adding that a pregnant woman was left in a critical state.
"One of the flood victims is a pregnant woman who has been rushed to the hospital. She is currently in critical condition. We cannot bear the thought of losing more lives," he said.
Despite the plea, some residents were reluctant to move, citing financial constraints and a lack of alternatives.
Part of Kitui Village in Kamukunji Sub-county, as pictured on April 2, 2024, when authorities asked residents to move to safer locations following a warning of heavy rains and flooding. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Last week's heavy rains led to flooding across Nairobi County, leaving at least 10 people, including police officer David Chesire, dead. Chesire had attempted to rescue families trapped in the area. His body is yet to be found.
Kitui Village emerged as one of the most affected areas, with approximately 300 families left homeless by the deluge.
A combination picture of sections of Kitui Village in Kamukunji Sub-county, as pictured on April 2, 2024, when authorities asked residents to move to safer locations following a warning of heavy rains and flooding. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Many sought refuge in nearby churches, schools, and open fields, but within a week, the majority had returned to their homes, facing the daunting task of rebuilding.
According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, the floods affected more than 1,000 families in Nairobi's informal settlements.
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