MP's open letter to Ruto over flood situation in Northern Kenya

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.

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