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Uhuru donates Sh2 million to Red Cross for relief efforts amid deadly floods

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta. (Photo: X/4thPresidentKE)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | 30 Apr 2024

The former President expressed solidarity with affected families and stressed the importance of collective action.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has donated Sh2 million to the Kenya Red Cross to aid relief efforts amid deadly floods across the country that have so far claimed 169 lives.

In a statement on Tuesday, he expressed solidarity with affected families and stressed the importance of collective action.

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"As a nation, we must stand together in the face of adversity, demonstrating compassion, resilience, and solidarity," Uhuru said.

He also condoled with all those affected by the devastating effects of the ongoing heavy rains and floods.

While acknowledging the widespread damage caused by the relentless rainfall, the former Head of State called for collective action to alleviate the suffering of Kenyans affected.

"The relentless rainfall has caused significant damage, displacing families, destroying infrastructure, and claiming precious lives. During this time of profound loss and despair, my thoughts and prayers are with the affected communities as they cope with the aftermath of this natural disaster," Uhuru added.

At the same time, the former President stressed the need for all Kenyans to stay vigilant and cautious in the face of the dangers posed by flooding.

Urge caution

Uhuru urged citizens to exercise extreme caution, refrain from crossing flooded roads or pathways, and, above all, seek higher ground when necessary to safeguard their safety and well-being.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Interior announced that an additional 66 lives have been lost since the last update on Monday, bringing the total fatalities to 169.

Fatalities include 46 lives lost in a mudslide in Mai Mahiu, four in Garissa, and another four in Sindo, Homa Bay.

The Ministry revealed that in the last 24 hours, counties that had severely impact by floods include Nairobi, Tana River, West Pokot, and Homa Bay.

"Landslides and mudslides have also affected residents of Muranga and Nakuru Counties," the ministry said.

Countrywide, 102 individuals have been injured, and 91 people are currently missing, with Mai Mahiu and Garissa reporting the highest numbers of missing persons.

The Kithure Kindiki-led ministry also noted that 30,099 households, affecting around 150,495 persons, have been displaced by the floods.

"In Sindo, Homa Bay, 161 households have been displaced, impacting the lives of many," reads the statement.

In addition, search, rescue, and retrieval operations are underway, in Garissa and Nakuru due to the recent mudslide.

So far, 23 people have been rescued in Garissa. A reporting desk manned by government representatives and the Kenya Red Cross has been established at the Mai Mahiu tragedy site.

The ministry urges continued vigilance and adherence to safety measures issued by local authorities. In case of flood emergencies, citizens are encouraged to report immediately via the toll-free line; 0800721571.