Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday said that the national government is ready to support the flood victims nationwide.
Gachagua said this during a memorial service for Mai Mahiu flood victims which took place at Mo Gas Grounds in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of 61 individuals, with 51 still missing and 52 others injured as a result of the events that unfolded last week.
Gachagua who read President William Ruto’s speech commended the swift interventions of various entities, including the National Youth Service, Nakuru County Commissioner, Nakuru County Government, and residents, in saving lives during the disaster.
He noted that the national government had already disbursed more than Sh7 million, providing financial assistance to affected families for burial preparations.
Moreover, Gachagua announced additional government support, with the Ministry of Housing allocating Sh300 million for house construction for the Mai Mahiu flood victims.
He emphasized the government's commitment to purchasing land for displaced residents, underscoring the importance of unity and mutual support among citizens during crises.
“I’m happy for the unity that our people demonstrated to the victims of Mai Mahiu during the incident and let's continue supporting each other,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua further commended Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Naivasha MP Jane Kihara and members of the County assembly for their role during the incident.
“I pledged to work for my people and love the people of Mount Kenya region, we should unite and speak in one voice and support President William Ruto's government,” Gachagua said.
Kihika echoed Gachagua's sentiments, praising the efforts of President Ruto and his administration during this challenging period.
She emphasized the need for continued support from both the national government and well-wishers to address the ongoing needs of flood-affected communities.
"We need 85 houses for the victims and we should come together and do it for our people, a single house may cost about Sh1.8 million and we will appreciate it, already Safaricom PLC has pledged support, “Kihika said.
Water Cabinet Secretary Zachariah Njeru highlighted the government's plans to harness floodwaters for future use and outlined infrastructure development initiatives for Mai Mahiu, including urban planning and sewage treatment facilities.
MP Jane Kihara urged vigilance among residents during the rainy season and expressed gratitude for the Deputy President's presence and condolences.
Gilgil MP Martha Wangari commended the national government's swift response to the floods and urged sustained cooperation to mitigate future disasters.
She also requested that equipment used in flood relief efforts be left under the National Youth Service's care for future emergencies.
“Deputy President, you have done a lot to the people of Mai Mahiu and Nakuru County and we are happy, we would request you to ensure that some of the equipment that were being used to unblock floods should be left here under the care of NYS,” she said.
David Gakaria, Nakuru Town East MP, lauded DP Gachagua, praising his commitment to service delivery and calling for solidarity among Mount Kenya residents
“We have seen you all over the country including in Garissa and we are happy for you as you have represented us well and we value you as the king of the region, ”he said.
He added that the DP has been delivering well in service delivery and thus the people of Mount Kenya should hold his (Gachagua) hand in his political activities.
Gachagua was accompanied by several MPs, including Ann Wamuratha (Kiambu), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), George Koimburi (Juja), Simon King'ara (Ruiru), Kamande Mwafrika (Roysambu), Jane Kihara (Naivasha), and Mary Wa Maua (Maragua), among others.