Mass held for flood victims amid calls for unity

Caskets bearing the bodies of 11 victims of last week’s floods in Narok town. The floods killed 15 people, some of whom are still missing. [PHOTO: ROBERT KIPLAGAT/STANDARD]

Narok, Kenya: Emotions ran high at a requiem mass for 11 victims of the Narok floods, amid calls for unity of purpose among area leaders.

The 11 are among 15 people who were swept away by flood waters in the town last week.

Those killed were Elizabeth Wambui, Maureen Waithira, Samuel Mburu, Marvin Mburu, Ntikise Nchoe, George Taek, Peter Kahiga, John Kariuki, Samuel Bundi, Esther Wainaina, and John Ngugi.

The mass, which was held at Maasai Mara University grounds, was attended by Governor Samuel Ole Tunai, his deputy Everlyn Aruasa, Woman Representative Soipan Tuya and County Commissioner Arthur Osiya.

The local MPs snubbed the event.

Mr Tunai gave Sh60,000 to each of the bereaved families and cleared their hospital bills and burial expenses. He said there is need for unity among the county leaders for devolution to succeed.

"All of us were elected by the people to play specific roles. We are expected to put politics aside and ensure that the bereaved who are our electorate are assisted. It is through times like this that people get to know who their real leaders are," said Tunai.

Governor Tunai said his government was working closely with the national government to come up with lasting solutions to the drainage system in town to avert future disasters.

Ms Aruasa said all leaders should unite and work together in times of such natural disasters.

SELFISH INTERESTs

"Floods and other disasters do not belong to the the county government alone but affect all of us as leaders," said Aruasa.

Ms Tuya lashed out at the governor's critics saying they have only their selfish interests at heart.