Lives lost in floods should remind government of its duty to prioritise citizen's safety

A man looks at a vehicle that was swept downstream by raging flood waters in Mai Mahiu killing at least 50 people. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Kenya is in the grips of a devastating flood crisis that has claimed the lives of more than 188 people. The widespread flooding, triggered by heavy rains, has caused immense destruction and displacement across the country. So far, at least ninety (90) people are still missing, with 125 others injured while approximately 165,500 persons have been displaced.

Despite repeated warnings from meteorological authorities and disaster management agencies' failure to take proactive measures has exacerbated the situation, leading to unnecessary loss of life and property. The lack of preparedness and timely response to the flooding crisis has raised serious questions about the government's commitment to protecting its citizens.