The government has ordered county security teams to take urgent action to prevent further casualties from the severe flooding that has swept the nation, including compulsory evacuations from areas near dams and arrests for those risking their lives by attempting to cross swollen rivers.
In a directive, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki expressed deep concern over the “loss of life and destruction of public and private property resulting from the ongoing floods.” He instructed County Security and Intelligence Committees nationwide to inspect all dams and reservoirs within 24 hours and recommend evacuation orders where needed.
The move comes amid reports of motorists and pedestrians continuing to make dangerous crossings over flood-swollen roads despite warnings. Kindiki slammed this “risky behaviour” and “casual treatment” of weather advisories as he ordered enforcement teams to be deployed at flood-prone areas to arrest those attempting to cross submerged routes.
“Offenders [will be] prosecuted for attempted suicide and/or attempted murder as the facts of the case may be,” the directive stated.
Kindiki also took aim at “unscrupulous persons” operating makeshift canoes and boats to transport stranded people across raging waters for money, putting lives at grave risk. He ordered their arrests to “prevent the transportation of passengers across flooded rivers or storm water by unsafe” vessels.
“The Government is coordinating all its relevant agencies and partners to prevent further loss of lives and property, and to support all those who have been affected by the ongoing torrential rains,” Kindiki said.
The unprecedented flooding has killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands, destroying homes, roads and other infrastructure. Aid agencies have raised alarm over the humanitarian fallout, including risks of water-borne disease outbreaks in crowded evacuation camps.
