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Government releases Sh300m to build houses for flood victims

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the memorial service for 61 victims of the Maai-Mahiu tragedy that happened a fortnight ago. May 9, 2024. Photo: X/Rigathi

By Barack Oduor | 09 May 2024

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday promised to ensure that Kenyans who are displaced by the flooding situation in the country are settled.

The government has released Sh300 million to build houses for the victims to resettle persons displaced by floods in the country.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday while joining thousands of mourners in an emotional memorial service for 61 victims of the Maai-Mahiu flooding tragedy that happened a fortnight ago promised to ensure that Kenyans who are displaced by the flooding situation in the country are settled.

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"We will assist the displaced families to rebuild their lives. It is a difficult situation and as the government, we must support them. I assure you that we will walk with you on this journey," said Gachagua.

The Deputy President, who was in the company of Cabinet Secretaries, governors, senators, and more than 40 members of parliament from various parts of the country and the clergy, also highlighted the directives and actions taken by the government to address the flooding crisis caused by enhanced rains pounding the country.

"We have agreed with Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Roads Kipchumba Murkomen that Maai-Mahiu -Kijabe road will be graded and to apply good gravel of the right standards so that residents can start using it. The Kenya Defence Forces and the National Youth Service personnel deployed by the President in this area and their equipment will continue to stay, to open up the roads and restore the damaged bridges," said Gachagua.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua pays his respects at the memorial service for 61 victims of the Maai-Mahiu tragedy that happened a fortnight ago. May 9, 2024. Photo: X/Rigathi

The memorial service was held at Mo Gas Grounds, on the outskirts of Maai-Mahiu, Nakuru County. Gachagua further directed the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Zachary Njeru to ensure Maai-Mahiu town gets connected to clean and safe water.

The Deputy President also delivered President William Ruto's message of condolence and comfort to the families.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this tough time. We are actively coordinating relief efforts to alleviate the loss of livelihoods. Let us pray for those affected by the flooding," said President Ruto in the condolence message.

The victims were killed in a deluge after an overflowing reservoir located at the Old Kijabe Railway tunnel wiped out a swath of houses in Kamuchiri village near Maai-Mahiu town.

The scene after a man-made gulley burst, flooding the nearby Mai Mahiu Town, Naivasha. (Photo: Handout)

Several others are missing and a military-led search exercise is ongoing. The local community led by Reverend Joseph Kariuki appreciated the government's support to the families affected by the incident.

"We are grateful for the support we received from the government and the site visit by our President, his deputy, and other leaders to mourn with us. The catastrophe hit us as the Maai-Mahiu community. It is a great loss," said Reverend Kariuki.

Political leaders led by Nakuru governor Susan Kihika and the area MP Jayne Kihara lauded the Deputy President for leading the government's response to the communities devastated by floods and landslides.

The leaders commended the Deputy President for being at the forefront in dealing with the flood situation and comforting those affected.

"We have seen you in Garissa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Murang'a, and other parts of the country responding to the havoc caused by the enhanced rains and standing with the affected communities. We truly appreciate you for being available to the people during the difficult times," Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi said, echoing Kihara's remarks.