MP's open letter to Ruto over flood situation in Northern Kenya
The rains have laid bare the vulnerabilities in our infrastructure, and over four million are at risk of starvation and diseases.
Dear Mr President,
I am writing to bring to your attention the dire situation in Northern Kenya following the persistent rains that have now lasted for a month.
More To Read
- Met warns of heavy rains, flood risks in central highlands, western and coastal Kenya
- Garissa mother pleads for help to trace 17-year-old son feared trapped in Libya trafficking ring
- Kenya Red Cross Garissa Aqua Rescue Team trains to boost readiness for River Tana floods
- Ex-Garissa Governor Ali Korane joins UDA, secures clan backing for 2027 gubernatorial race
- Garissa launches massive blood drive to save lives, targets 3,000 residents
- Africa urges wealthy nations for $50 billion annual climate support amid rising crises
Despite numerous warnings from the Meteorological Department, the region is grappling with severe consequences, with roads to three counties being cut off, fuel prices soaring, and families facing acute starvation.
As of last night, we were actively searching for a boat to assist a stranded elderly man, emphasising the urgency of the situation.
The threat of the main Garissa-Tana River bridge being washed away looms large, which would effectively isolate the region.
I urge you to declare this a national disaster promptly. The rains have laid bare the vulnerabilities in our infrastructure, and over four million are at risk of starvation and diseases. Mothers in remote areas are particularly vulnerable.
We need immediate resources from the relevant offices and ministries, including the Kenya Wildlife Service, the National Police Service and Fisheries, to be fully deployed on the ground.
It's disheartening that the fully operational teams are primarily from disaster response NGOs like the Red Cross, whose resources are already stretched thin across the counties.
Now is a critical time for your visit to Northern Kenya providing an opportunity to prioritise development agencies.
The impending spillover of dam water underscores the urgent need for dams and resilient roads capable of withstanding natural disasters like floods.
Northern Kenya is in desperate need of your political goodwill. The systematic and slow response we've observed hints at deliberate marginalisation, extending beyond resource allocation.
It is disconcerting that we must implore the national government to declare this a national disaster.
I implore you to intervene urgently and mobilise the necessary resources. Let us act swiftly to avert further humanitarian crises in Northern Kenya.
Umulkher Harun Mohamed
Nominated Member of Parliament
Top Stories Today
