Remain at rescue centres - Machakos flood victims told

Hundreds of flood victims rescued after their homes were submerged by flood waters in Machakos County have been cautioned against returning to affected homes.

They were warned against sneaking from the rescue centres where they had been temporarily accommodated since their homes had been declared dangerous and inhabitable.

Devolution PS Terry Mbaika told the victims to take care of themselves by being cautious of their security and safety as the government does everything possible to find lasting solutions to the challenges.

“We need to take care of ourselves. If you are told not to return to your home where you have been rescued, don’t return. Wait for the waters to subside and your residences to be safe,” Mbaika said.

She spoke when she presided over a relief food donation exercise at Athi River deputy county commissioner Patrick Mwangi’s offices in Mavoko, Machakos County on Thursday.

More than 10, 000 residents of the Athi River subcounty braved the day's cold to the venue for relief food even though only 2, 000 people were affected by the floods.

It was a chilly day with some rain in the better part of the day.

Security was intensified by the Athi River subcounty security committee with the presence of county police chief Patrick Lobolia.

Mbaika was hosted by Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko and the entire county’s security and intelligence committee alongside Machakos County Government’s leadership led by Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi.

Mwangangi represented his boss Wavinya Ndeti.

“We are here as a national government to work together with the County Government of Machakos to ensure that our people are safe and have the basics they need. Please, let’s take care of ourselves. The national government is doing its role as well as the county government for Kenyans to be okay,” Mbaika said.

She said the donated foodstuff to the victims by President William Ruto’s administration included 100 bags of rice each weighing 50kgs, 180 bags of beans of the same quantity, 100 pieces of fortified food, 100 pieces of kitchen sets, 100 jikos, 50 solar lamps, five bails of sanitary pads and 20 boxes of soap.

Mbaika said though there were so many areas affected by the floods, the listed donations were for the Athi River sub-counties only.

“We will equally take the same to those other affected areas,” she said.

She said the government would take action against individuals who had diverted rivers and constructed structures on riparian land across the country.

Ouko said they had profiled 2, 300 flood victims across the county.

She, however, noted that out of the said number, 2000 were most affected.

She said the most affected areas were the Athi River (seven villages), Matungulu and Yatta sub-counties.

“There is no cause for alarm. We are monitoring the situation as both the national and Machakos County Governments jointly execute various intervention measures,” Ouko told the Star.

“The rescued victims shouldn’t return to their homes where they were rescued and those in rescue centres shouldn’t leave for the affected areas."

She thanked both governments for their quick response to the victims’ alarms which made the rescue missions prompt and successful through joint efforts and synergy.

“We are still with you as a government, the rains are still there until the second week of June according to the weatherman. We therefore urge you to be in safe places, don’t return to where we rescued you from yesterday because there is still danger,” Ouko said.

Ouko said the two rescue centres in Mavoko were Athi River Primary School and Kinanie Health Centre.

Over 2, 000 people were rescued within Athi River Township ward on Wednesday, 500 from Gracelands Apartments, while 1, 500 others were rescued from Kwa Mang’eli village.

Athi River MCA Jeremiah Kaloi said his ward was the most affected by the raging floods. All the seven listed as the most affected are in his ward.

“The county government should ensure compliance with relevant regulations. I will soon be tabling a statement to the County Assembly of Machakos on why this is happening,” Kaloi said.

Kaloi said those involved in unlawful dumping along River Athi should be prosecuted.

He called on well-wishers especially industrialists in the Athi River subcounty to join in supporting the victims through donations of basic amenities like foodstuff, clothing, bedding, mosquito nets and sanitary.

Kaloi said Ndeti’s administration together with the national government were doing everything possible to find long-term solutions to challenges faced by residents.

Mwangangi joined other leaders in urging residents living near rivers or flood-prone areas to relocate before they get flooded.

“Report to the assistant chief or ward administrators so that we move you to safety. You shouldn’t stick to those areas,” Mwangangi said.

He said the county government donated 2,000 bales of maize flour, 2000 pieces of cooking oil, 2000 bags of rice, 183 bags of maize weighing 90kgs, 83 bags of rice of the same quantity, sugar, 210 blankets, tissue papers, bar soaps, etc.

Senator Tabitha Mutinda said tragedies like floods don’t know Azimio or Kenya Kwanza.

“Hunger doesn’t know tribe. These are our problems collectively. Please, don’t return to your homes from where you were rescued,” Mutinda said.