- Speaking in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County where he had gone to condole those who have been affected by the mudslides, he said the government will assist with the process.
- Ruto added that they will provide temporary shelter of those affected by the directive in the event that they require assistance.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto has ordered the people living in riparian areas to vacate in 48 hours starting Wednesday.
Speaking in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County where he had gone to console with those affected by the mudslides, Ruto said the government will assist with the process.
Ruto added that the government will provide temporary shelter to those affected by the directive in the event that they require assistance.
"Kila sehemu ambapo wananchi wako na iko hatari ya kutokea maporomoko ama mafuriko, hawa wananchi tutawauliza wahame na tutawasaidie kuhamisha ili tuweze kuokoa maisha ya wananchi," he said.
This is loosely translated to, "We will be asking those who are living in areas that are at high risk of mudslides and floods to vacate and we will help them because we want to save their lives," Ruto said.
"We have agreed that those who are living near rivers in what we call the riparian reserves should vacate stating tomorrow, we will be issuing a notice," the President added.
Ruto pointed out that they will not allow Kenyans to continue risking their lives as the heavy rains are expected to continue.
"In 48 hours from tomorrow everyone should have vacated those affected areas," he said.
The same was decided during a Cabinet meeting earlier on Tuesday after the relevant government agencies completed mapping out all the fragile ecosystems around the country.
"These include areas near dams and other water reservoirs in public or private land, areas prone to mudslides and landslides and riparian lands along rivers and other water courses across the country," a Cabinet dispatch stated.
"All members of the public affected by this directive will be notified by the end of day tomorrow, May 1, 2024."
Further to temporary shelter, the displaced Kenyans will be provided with essential food and non-food supplies.
The Cabinet further stated that even though the government is advocating for voluntary evacuation, all those who remain within the areas affected by the directive will be relocated forcibly in the interest of their safety.
It directed the National Government Administration officers (NGAO) to work with county governments, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders to ensure that the process of notification, evacuation and shelter provision is carried out in a timely, humane and effective manner.
The National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) will also provide the coordination of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders to ensure a seamless and coherent exercise throughout the country.
In addition, security agencies will enforce this directive with the support of the National Youth Service.
The Head of State said the military will be dispatched to these areas to assist in evacuation.
Ruto said the weather forecast shows that rains will continue in the coming weeks.
The President assured that the government will provide shelter and food to people who will be evacuated.
“We will give you food, shelter and anything that you will need,” he stated.
He noted that 171 people across the country have died because of the floods.
“It is not an easy thing. The Mai Mahiu incident has been a big blow. We still have 26 people who have not been accounted for in Mai Mahiu,” he said.
Residents of four villages in the area are counting losses both of life and property following intense rains on Monday.
The Kenya Red Cross has set up a desk at a local school to help families find lost loved ones.
About 300 people are being hosted at Ngeya Girls Secondary School, where they have been provided with essential items, courtesy of the National and County Government of Nakuru and well-wishers.
On Monday, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika noted the teams from the national government and well-wishers rushed to Mai Mahiu to help in rescue efforts.
“The Kenya Red Cross, you are truly are our angels, we cannot thank you enough,” she added.
Kihika said she had requested private hospitals to admit injured victims irrespective of their ability to pay the bills.
“Most of them have agreed to accept the injured whether they can pay or not. We shall sort the matter later,” she said.
Kihika thanked the Ministry of Education for postponing the opening of schools to May 6 over flooding.