By Vincent Mabatuk
More than 1,500 people displaced after Lake Baringo and a seasonal river burst their banks have received humanitarian assistance.
Kanu National Chairman Gideon Moi on Saturday donated food worth Sh500,000 to the affected families in Marigat District.
While distributing the food, area DC Saul Moywaywa appealed to well wishers to assist the victims. He said more people are likely to be displaced as the lake continues to stretch further into people’s farms.
“The lake has moved 1km from the original shore and because of the continuing rains, more people are likely to be displaced,” said the DC.
Mr Moywaywa said Baringo Social Club, Salabani Secondary School and dispensary are the most affected. He added that the floods have submerged 400 acres of land under maize within Salabani and Ngambo areas.
Salabani location chief Francis ole Kibirich has advised locals to move to higher grounds until a solution is found.
He said the area was affected by floods in 2003 when River Endoa changed course and swept through villages killing people and destroying property.
The chief said 31 houses along the lake have been completely submerged. Locals have resolved to form temporary camps to integrate affected families. “Property worth more than Sh20 million has been destroyed at Salabani Secondary School,” he said.
The flood victims have already received 300 bags of maize, 200 bags of beans and cooking oil from the Ministry of Special Programmes.
The families are now living in fear of attacks from hippos and crocodiles due to floods. And more than 1,000 people living on Kokwo island fear they could be displaced as water levels in the lake continue to rise.
