Over 20 families in Mauthini district, Tharaka Nithi County, have been displaced after heavy rains swept away their houses. Heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in several parts of the country.
The victims were unable to retrieve their belongings and were forced to take refuge at the homes of well-wishers.
One of those affected, Mary Kagendo, said on Thursday, "At first, I didn't realize the house was flooding, but before I could tell what was going on, my house had already been destroyed." The roof collapsed, bringing the entire structure down."
Another homeowner, Doris Kawira, stated, "I heard a loud bang and the destruction began in the kitchen." "Before I knew it, the entire house had collapsed."
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The family has now petitioned the government to intervene and provide alternate accommodation, food, and clothing.
The government has confirmed that 16 more people have lost their lives in the last 24 hours attributed to the ongoing El Nino rains, bringing the official death toll to 136.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said 462,160 people have been displaced and 94.232 households displaced by the floods.
PS Omollo noted that the government is continuing to mitigate the effects of the El Nino rains.
“A decrease in rainfall is anticipated in the Northern half of the country this week even as the government continues with its flood mitigation efforts in worst-hit counties and those on high alert,” he said.
“This morning, 10 tonnes of assorted food items were airlifted to Wajir County while KDF airdropped food items at Chebaso in Isiolo County."
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, on the other hand, has urged kenyans to employ safety measures and avoid taking unnecessary risks as flooding continues to cause devastation across the country.
“I want to appeal to the people of Kenya wherever they are to be responsible. How do we intervene when you yourself get into a river and you can see the way it is flowing?” he asked.
