Home / National

Raila criticises government's handling of Nairobi demolitions, flood response

Azimio leader Raila Odinga, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other leaders addressing residens of Embakasi South. (X/Raila Odinga)

By Charity Kilei | 03 May 2024

Raila reiterated that the government should declare floods a national disaster to prompt proper mitigation efforts.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has criticised how the government is handling the recent demolitions in Nairobi. He also accused the government of being ill-prepared to address the ongoing flood situation.

Addressing residents at Kwa Reuben Secondary School in Embakasi South on Friday, Raila reiterated that the government should declare floods a national disaster to prompt proper mitigation efforts. He stated that without such a declaration, adequate assistance would not reach those affected.

Keep reading

"Floods should be declared a national disaster, it will allow aid to reach Kenya, even from abroad, "said Railaas he condemned the demolition of houses in Mukuru kwa Njenga.

"If the government, plans to relocate people, it's crucial to ensure alternative housing is provided before evacuating them," said Raila, highlighting the importance of treating citizens with dignity and humanity.

"It's unacceptable to demolish people's homes without providing alternatives. Citizens should not be treated like animals; they deserve better," said Raila.

I joined Azimio leaders in offering assistance to victims of floods in Embakasi South Constituency. We applaud the efforts of relief institutions like @KenyaRedCross who are offering support on the ground. We call upon the government to move with speed to assist the victims. pic.twitter.com/hfyB1hkqEc
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) May 3, 2024

Demolitions order

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Thursday directed that structures and buildings on riparian land in Nairobi be demolished to avert tragedy.

The directive applies to all individuals within a 30-meter radius of the Ngong, Mathare, and Nairobi rivers.

Kindiki instructed the Nairobi Regional and County Security Teams to collaborate with the Nairobi City County Government and the National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) to promptly evacuate those residing along the riverbanks.

Among the affected areas are Mukuru Kwa Njeenga, Gikomba market, and Mathare, which were affected by Friday's demolitions.

This is as the number of Kenyans who have died from the ongoing nationwide floods rose to 210 as of Friday morning, as the nation continues to battle torrential rains.

PL @RailaOdinga together with other Azimio Leaders this afternoon shared food with victims of floods at a food at Kwa Reuben Secondary School in Embakasi South Constituency. He urged Kenyans to be careful while going about their daily activities during this rainy season. pic.twitter.com/ApARNPs9YG
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) May 3, 2024