FLOODS CRISIS

ODM forms 9-member disaster response committee

The party said the team has been formed as part of their response to the current National Flooding Crisis.

In Summary
  • According to the party, the Committee will coordinate response and relief efforts to the ongoing flood crisis on behalf of the party.
  • "Caring for fellow Kenyans. We stand together with the victims of flood disaster in our country," the party said.
ODM Party leader Raila Odinga engages with ODM party SG Edwin Sifuna during a meeting with Mt. Kenya East political leaders at Chungwa house where they welcomed defectors to the party on November 10, 2021.
ODM Party leader Raila Odinga engages with ODM party SG Edwin Sifuna during a meeting with Mt. Kenya East political leaders at Chungwa house where they welcomed defectors to the party on November 10, 2021.
Image: FILE

The Orange Democratic Movement party has formed a nine-member Disaster Response Committee.

According to the party, the Committee will coordinate response and relief efforts to the ongoing flood crisis on behalf of the party.

The party said the team has been formed as part of their response to the current National Flooding Crisis.

"Caring for fellow Kenyans. We stand together with the victims of flood disaster in our country," the party said.

Members of the Committee include senators Eddy Gicheru (Migori) and Hamida Kibwana (Nominated), MPs Mishi Mboko (Likoni), Catherine Omanyo (Busia county) and James Nyikal (Seme).

Members of the County Assembly of Nairobi Peter Imwatok (Majority leader), Nasra Nanda (Nominated) and Abbas Khalif (South C ward) are part of the committee.

ODM Youth Director Benson Musungu is also a member of the Committee.

This comes barely two weeks after Raila, the ODM party leader, announced that the Opposition was mobilising support within their networks which will be delivered to the affected individuals "shortly".

He said several leaders allied to the opposition were already fundraising for the same.

He added that the Opposition side 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.

He had earlier called on the government to declare the ongoing floods a national disaster.

He urged the government to move expeditiously to mobilise all the national resources available to avert further loss.

"It is our urgent appeal that the President and government hereby declare the floods a national disaster and immediately activate all emergency mechanisms including military disaster response teams," Raila said.

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