Three Cabinet Secretaries in President William Ruto’s Cabinet are among senior government officials who have been sued by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) over floods-related negligence.
KHRC in a statement on Friday, May 17, 2024, announced that it has filed a lawsuit against the government officials and government agencies alleging that their negligence caused deaths and displacements during floods.
“KHRC has filed a lawsuit against multiple government figures and entities for negligence during the recent floods that ravaged homes, displaced hundreds of thousands, and tragically claimed hundreds of lives nationwide,” read part of the statement.
In the petition filed on May 16, KHRC said the government violated citizens’ constitutional rights by failing to protect them from the devastating floods.
Among the Cabinet Secretaries sued include Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, Environment CS Soipan Tuya and their Lands counterpart Alice Wahome.
Also Read: Raila Exposes Govt Blunder Amid Floods Crisis
On the other hand, institutions targeted in the legal action include the Water Resources Authority (WRA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
KHRC Sues AG Muturi and Council of Governors
Attorney-General Justine Muturi, the Council of Governors (CoG), the National Disaster Management Authority, and Kenya Railways have also been targeted in the case.
According to KHRC, the parties are also facing scrutiny for conducting evictions in the slums within Nairobi County during floods.
“They are also facing scrutiny for conducting evictions in the Mukuru Kwa Reuben and Kwa Njenga slums during floods, which caused more harm to an already vulnerable situation,” added KHRC.
The Human Rights Commission noted that compensation for flood victims is among the reliefs it will pursue in the lawsuit.
According to the Commission, the government failed to implement a timely national response plan to the heavy rainfall, which began in March 2024.
“This negligence persisted despite a warning from the Kenya Meteorological Department on July 30, 2023, regarding the intensification of the country’s rainy season due to the El Niño weather pattern,” the statement adds.
Also Read: You Are on Your Own – Linturi Tells Kenyans Who Lost Crops, Animals to Floods
KHRC has revealed that it requested the court to prioritize the case, further saying that a ruling is pending.
The Commission, therefore, urged the court to compel the government to provide humanitarian assistance, including alternative accommodation, food, and social amenities to people affected by floods before the case is heard and determined.
Effects of floods
The lawsuit by KHRC comes amid continued heavy rains in various parts of the country which have led to adverse effects including displacements and even loss of lives.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura while providing an update on the flooding situation in the country on May 16 noted that 291 Kenyan lives have been lost since the start of heavy rains.
“The floods have had a profound impact, displacing 55,631 households and affecting approximately 278,155 individuals. Tragically, 291 lives have been lost, with 75 people still missing and 188 injured,” said Mwaura.
Mwaura further said that the government has established 187 camps across 25 counties to support over 3,000 displaced people.
According to the government spokesperson, 65,493 individuals have been reintegrated into the community following evacuation exercises.
Mwaura at the same time announced that the government has received substantial aid, including food, non-food items, and medical kits.
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