• Raila on Tuesday said the floods have exposed the country's failure to plan properly for weather and climate change-related disasters.
• "The situation therefore calls for accountability and a reordering of our priorities as a country."
Image: FILE
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has called out President William Ruto's administration over what he termed as " being unprepared, to tackle the flooding crisis.
Raila said despite the current administration fashioning itself as a champion of climate change and related, the current heavy rains witnessed in the country have exposed them badly.
Raila on Tuesday said the floods have exposed the country's failure to plan properly for weather and climate change-related disasters.
He said they have also shown the underinvestment in infrastructure and social welfare in Kenya.
"The situation therefore calls for accountability and a reordering of our priorities as a country," Raila said.
"We appeal to the government to ensure that the most urgent needs of low-income people across the country get priority attention and that their voices are heard as the recovery efforts continue.".
The former Prime Minister called on the government to end the confusion and duplication of roles in agencies tasked with mitigation efforts.
He insisted that each agency should have clear roles and responsibilities as they try to manage the flood situation.
"We are also calling on the government to perfect the communication channels with all who have responsibilities in the unfolding situation to enable agencies and the two levels of government to deliver better, faster and more efficient services."
Raila said that the current devastation has made it clear that as a nation, Kenya must confront the emergency of failure to learn, despite the Meteorological Department having accurately predicted the coming of heavy rains.
The Azimio leader, however, noted that they are mobilising support within their networks which will be delivered to the affected individuals shortly.
He said several leaders allied to the opposition are currently fundraising and they will do all that they can to support the ongoing mitigation efforts.
"We wish to assure those affected that we are working to mobilise and offer as much as we can to help," Raila said.
"We are also encouraging our networks to feel free to contribute to the national relief efforts, particularly through the Red Cross or other accountable organisations that are assisting."
Raila said the destruction caused by the raging floods across the country is overwhelming, heartbreaking and unbelievable.
Its impact, he added, will be far-reaching and long-lasting.