By Lauryne Akoth
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called upon the government to declare the current floods a national disaster.
Kalonzo said this in Mumbuni Primary School in Machakos where he helped distribute food and non-food items to the residents who were affected by the floods in the county.
He remarked that the floods, which have resulted in the loss of life and displacement of thousands of Kenyans, have been exacerbated by the ongoing doctors’ strike. He urged the government to implement effective intervention measures to mitigate additional losses.
Kalonzo also urged Kenyans of goodwill to offer humanitarian support to those affected by the floods.
The Wiper leader was joined by Eugene Wamalwa, who highlighted that floods had impacted 32 counties.
He urged the government to declare the floods a national crisis, enabling international partners and non-state organizations to assist.
“As Azimio we demand that the time has come for Kenya Kwanza to declare the floods a national disaster,” said Wamalwa.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti disclosed that Machakos has so far lost 20 people and over 4,000 families had been displaced and affected by the floods.
Wavinya said the county government has distributed food and nonfood items to flood victims and was also assisting several families to rebuild their houses.
She additionally appealed to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to expedite the inspection of bridges damaged by the floods, aiming to minimize casualties and save lives.
Also present were Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi and other County officials.