Over 50 families evacuated in Limuru to safer grounds

The government has evacuated more than 50 families affected by floods in Limuru subcounty in Kiambu, following the heavy rainfall that is ongoing throughout the country.

A multi-agency team took the families to subcounty halls and other safer areas, to ensure they were safe.

About 10 families were living at buildings near Manguo swamp in Limuru while the rest 40 families were living in villages such as Kwambira, Kamirithu, Farmers and Karanjee.

The multi-agency team which was led by Limuru deputy county commissioner Charles Mukele, subcounty police commander Mary Njoki, and Kiambu water and environment executive David Kuria among others, said the families were at risk.

However, Kuria said the government resolved to unblock one side of the Manguo swamp to drain stagnant water since it was approaching to cross over the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

He said years ago before its draining paths were encroached, waters from the swamp were flowing to a nearby dam in Limuru.

"A lot of lands had been encroached, covering the paths where waters used to pass. When such waters are blocked, the tenants are put at risk" he said.

Kuria revealed that Governor Kimani Wamatangi formed multi-agency teams and dispatched them to all subcounties to partner with other government arms to assist in evacuating residents.

Mukele said the government was working day and night to ensure no one was affected by the floods.

"Everyone should hear the call to evacuate to safer grounds. People should not wait" Mukele appealed.

"We have been evacuating people since Tuesday, Wednesday and today Thursday. So many families."

A Limuru resident Samuel Maina asked tenants to be on the watch as they hire homes since some are so near to hilly areas, near swamps and others in riparian lands.

Maina who is also a teacher, has asked the government to enlighten real estate developers on where and how to build safer houses that withstand all weather.

"We have witnessed beautiful houses that have used a lot of money to be set up, people being evacuated and asked not to go back since they are not safe" he decried.