This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
On May 20, 2020, Lake Baringo spilled over, causing widespread flooding in the Mwariki Estate on the outskirts of Nakuru town.
According to reports, hundreds of people have been displaced, and property has been destroyed.
Eunice Wanjiku, a mother of six, who has lived in the area for 15 years, decided to demolish her house and flee. She stated, "Our farms and homes are submerged. The situation is getting worse and I have no choice but to flee,"
Over 80 families in the flooded Mwariki estate have demolished their houses and fled with valuables, fearing that the swelling Lake Nakuru may cause them more harm if they stay.
The Mwariki settlement scheme, which was opened in 1979, is home to at least 1,000 families. Wanjiku and her family acquired the land 20 years ago and never thought they would be forced to flee.
David Mungai, another local, is calling on the government to intervene and assist the affected families. The locals are now concerned about the outbreak of waterborne diseases as all their pit latrines have been filled.
Jack Raini, an environmental conservationist based in Nakuru, has expressed concern about the rising water levels. He noted that Lake Nakuru has swelled and expanded by around 80 square kilometers, stating, "The water levels might not reduce anytime soon,"
