Former President Uhuru Kenyatta pledges support for flood victims

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta. [Standard, File]

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has pledged Sh2 million in relief aid for families affected by the ongoing flash floods.

The donation will be channelled through the Kenya Red Cross Society, which has been working with other government agencies to mitigate the impact of the floods.

In a statement on Tuesday, April 30, Kenyatta expressed his condolences to the victims, stating, "During this time of profound loss and despair, my thoughts and prayers are with the affected communities as they cope with the aftermath of this natural disaster."

He urged Kenyans to support one another and assist those most affected by the calamity.

"As a nation, we must stand together in the face of adversity demonstrating compassion, resilience, and solidarity with one another," he said.

The former president also acknowledged the crucial role of medical professionals in mitigating the health impacts of the ongoing rains.

His comments come amid a standoff between the government and medical professionals over pay stipulated in their Collective Bargaining Agreements, which the government has yet to fully honour.

Kenyatta emphasised the importance of addressing the concerns of medical professionals through "constructive dialogue and meaningful engagement."

Search and rescue efforts continue in multiple locations where loss of life and property damage have been reported since the onset of the heavy rains.

Official government data indicates that Nairobi has the highest number of displaced persons, with 147,031 people affected.

The tragedy in Mai Mahiu leads in death count, with a least 45 bodies retrieved from under the debris after the Old Kijabe dam burst and swept through homes on Monday, April 29.