This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
Heavy rains have brought chaos to several regions in Kenya, with thousands of people displaced and multiple fatalities reported.
On Sunday, a Form Four candidate was among three people killed by floods in Budalang'i constituency, Busia County. The student was set to sit for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination this year at Nayera Secondary School.
Alvin Bwire, 23, from Namakoli village in Ruambwa sub-location, was also swept away by floods on Saturday evening. According to Ruambwa Assistant Chief Augustine Swart, Mr Bwire jumped from a pickup truck that was being swept away by floods but was overwhelmed by the raging waters.
Over 20,000 people have been affected by the floods, with Governor Sospeter Ojaamong confirming that homes in three wards have been submerged. The affected families are currently in camps.
Meanwhile, a 58-year-old man, Obugo Wawa, drowned while attempting to cross a flooded river in Homa Bay County. More than 10,000 people were displaced by floods from their homes across Nyanza.
Additionally, over 640 families in Rachuonyo North sub-County have been displaced by floods. The affected families are from various villages in Wang'chieng' location and a number of villages in Kobuya location.
As a result of the floods, fears of an outbreak of cholera and other waterborne diseases have hit one of the largest informal settlements in Naivasha. Residents of Kihoto estate, which borders Lake Naivasha, have been forced to relocate due to the overflowing pit latrines.
Ann Njenga, the Nakuru County Chief Officer in charge of disaster management, said her office had ordered families in parts of the estate to move out. She also advised residents in Kihoto and Mbaruk to move to higher grounds.
Furthermore, families in Mwariki, Nakuru County, were forced to spend the night in the cold after floods destroyed their homes. Over 58 houses were submerged, and over 50 people had to camp at Victorius Community Church.
Member of County Assembly Timothy Kabutu blamed poor drainage and abandoned road constructions for the area's flood problems. He appealed to the county government to help the affected families.
Published on May 5, 2020 in The Standard.
