132 people have died following the heavy rainfall being experienced countrywide in the past couple of months, according to government spokesperson Colonel (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna. 17,000 people have been displaced, while 11,000 livestock have been swept away. Speaking to the press, Oguna affirmed that the government remains committed to helping those who are affected, “As Government, we deeply regret the continued loss of lives and property and express heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the affected families, especially those who have lost their loved ones…we are providing the necessary relief assistance to help restore livelihoods of all those affected as we continue to monitor the situation,” he said.
The Counties affected by floods and landslides include Trans-Nzoia, Busia, Bungoma, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Kisii, Baringo, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, Marsabit, Makueni, Kitui, Machakos Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Mandera, Wajir, Turkana, Garissa, Samburu Lamu, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, Taita Taveta. West Pokot and Kitui Counties have received the largest amount of fortified foods. “Additionally West Pokot has been able to receive cooking utensils, lighting implements, sanitary towels, mattresses, tarpaulins (tents used to construct shelters) and iron sheets,” said Oguna.
He said in West Pokot the death toll is 43, while 36 bodies had been recovered. He said official figures which have been verified by the government should be used instead of different conflicting figures, “How have they been verified? the Red Cross together with the County government have gone to the families and spoken to the families. The families have given out the names…they are people with names that can be verified,” he said. However, Oguna noted that the government is improving its response mechanisms, “We would like to assure the public that the government will continue to provide assistance to mitigate the impact of disasters should they happen and is continuously improving its response mechanisms.”
Written by Elias Wekesa