116 Kenyans Killed by Floods over the Last Two Weeks, Over 100,000 Displaced

Over 100 Kenyans have been killed by floods in the last two weeks, the government has said.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, April 29th, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa said 116 people have lost their lives to the ongoing floods caused by heavy rainfall in various parts of the country.

CS Wamalwa noted that more than 100,000 other people in 29 counties have been displaced from their homes and are in need of help.

He added that the government has dispatched 40,000 bags of rice for distribution to the affected families in different counties.

"We are also releasing face masks to families and sanitizers. Even as we distribute food, we want to ensure that we do not take coronavirus there. We have enough food to support all those displaced," said Wamalwa.

“We want to urge the counties to comply with the guidelines put in place including moving to higher ground.” 

While addressing the nation last week, President Kenyatta urged people living in floods and landslide-prone areas such as Tana River, Kitui, Makueini, Murang’a, Kiambu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot and Nyando to move to safer grounds.

Over 15 people died last week after flash floods and mudslides hit a number of villages at the border of Elgeyo-Marakwet and West Pokot counties. Several other people sustained injuries while property worth millions of shillings was destroyed.