For the second time in four years, Lake Naivasha has burst its banks and displaced families and wild animals living near the riparian land.
The most affected is Kihoto estate where more than 5,000 people have been displaced, several schools closed down and residents left staring at a health crisis after latrines and boreholes flooded.
And with the Meteorological Department warning of more rains in the coming days, there are fears the numbers of displaced people could rise at the estate that is home to many flower farm workers.
Lakeview MCA Alex Mbugua said the situation was getting worse by the day, with no support from the national government.
He said the county government is overwhelmed by the current situation and there are fears of diseases outbreak due to the flooded latrines.
“More than 5,000 people have been displaced and things could get worse as water levels continue to rise by the day flooding homes, boreholes and latrines,” Mbugua said.
He appealed to the national government to come to their aid. Mbugua said one person has died due to the floods and there is no supply of clean water.
His Viwandani counterpart Mwangi Muraya said wild animals displaced by the floods have invaded nearby estates.
He said the county had provided water treatment disinfectants but more funds and support is needed to help the affected families.
“There is a major disaster looming in this estate if no action is taken. We are asking the national government to assist in relocating the affected families,” Muraya said.
Resident Michael Wainaina said this was the second time the estate is flooding.
“Residents are forced to go home early due to the high number of hippos and buffaloes roaming around,” he said.
Victim Samson Otieno said they have been forced to live in the flooded houses as they cannot afford rent elsewhere due to the harsh economic times.rd rent elsewhere due to the harsh economic times.
“We do not have cash to relocate to other estates, we fear our houses could collapse and we are asking the government to come to our rescue,” Fanice Auma said.
