Residents told to relocate to higher ground

By ROBERT KIPLAGAT

Residents living in flood-prone areas in Marigat District, Baringo County, have been asked to relocate to higher grounds to avert losses as heavy rains pound the area.

More than 6,000 residents from various villages including Sokotei, Kiserian, Sintan, Loropil, Illng’arua, Salabani and Illchamus are at risk of being swept away by raging floods should the rains persist.

Those living in these areas have, however, expressed fears they would lose property after River Perkerra broke its banks and flooded neighbouring Ng’ambo village.

On Sunday night, the floods swept away 31 goats and other property.

“Floods have been a menace in this area for many years now and we urge the Jubilee Government to come up with a lasting solution to this perennial problem,” said Simon Lelakimon, a resident of Ilchamus.

He said most families had started moving their belongings to safer grounds such as Marigat and Mochongoi.

Lekakimon regretted that despite residents having incurred loss of lives and property as a result of floods, the State had never taken stringent measures to avert the same.

WATER LEVELS

Area DC Saul Moywaywa reiterated that residents should relocate to higher areas as water levels were increasing in some villages.

“The floods we are experiencing are from Kabarnet area flooding downstream but we have encouraged residents at risk areas to move out,” said Moywaywa.

A Form Two student at Kiserian Secondary School last year drowned as he was crossing flooded Kiserian River.

The student identified as Paul Kikamoi, 16, is said to have been heading home from school with a colleague when they got to the swollen river.

He unsuccessfully tried to swim across but could not stay afloat therefore drowning.

Farmers at Kiserian Irrigation Scheme also incurred heavy losses after Lake Baringo broke its banks destroying over 350 acres of maize and displacing more than 2,000 residents.