Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has revealed that many of the victims who have been displaced by floods in Nairobi are shunning the alternative accommodation facilities provided by the government.
According to Mwaura, the victims go to the facilities to get food and then leave to spend the night in other unknown areas.
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Although he noted that it was a good gesture to have other relatives and friends accommodate them, Mwaura noted that it was one of the peculiar habits of Kenyans.
“There is something very interesting that is happening in Nairobi. People are coming during the day to eat, and at night they disappear and sleep elsewhere. They are being hosted elsewhere, and it is a good spirit, but sometimes they say these are the peculiar habits of Kenyans,” he said.
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At the same time, he noted that some of the victims had earlier received compensation from the government and relocated to different areas, but they sold their lands and resettled in the riparian lands, endangering their lives.
“In Kisumu also, people were removed from the riparian areas. They were actually compensated and resettled but some of them opted to sell off their land and settle down to the lake. Now they are displaced again,” he added.
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Also Read: Families Displaced by Floods to Receive Ksh10,000 Each for Rent – Ruto
Death toll of Floods
The spokesperson also announced that the death toll as a result of floods had risen to 238 after 8 more people were killed in the last 24 hours.
Additionally, Mwaura said that 75 people were still reported missing.
On the other hand, 223,000 people across the country had been impacted by the effects of the heavy floods.
“The Government is collaborating with the County Government of Kisumu and the Kenya Redcross in responding to the humanitarian emergency across the country,” he said.
The government donated relief items to the victims including a Kitchen set, blankets, a mini tent, a water purifier, bar soap, blankets, mosquito nets, dignity pack, lessos, torch among other items.
According to Mwaura, the package issued to victims in Kisumu is worth Ksh6,500 each.
Also Read: Global Organization Exposes Blunder Ruto Made Amid Raging Floods
Kindiki Issues Fresh Order to Kijabe Residents
On the other hand, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki ordered the Kiambu County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC) to evacuate all persons whose residences are likely to be on the path of downstream storm water in Kijabe area.
He indicated that individuals affected by the order will be offered alternative places of shelter until it is safe to return to their homes.
“Following reported structural vulnerabilities of other tunnels forming part of the Railway infrastructure in the Kijabe area, the Government has directed urgent structural repairs and drainage of the tunnels to avert loss of life in the area as was the case last week.
“Members of the public affected by this directive will be assisted to find temporary shelter until it is safe to return to their habitual residences,” he noted.
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