Why Mai Mahiu flood survivors are seeking answers

 

DP Kithure Kindiki hands over title deeds to victims of the Mai Mahiu floods that left over 60 dead and many others injured. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

Victims of the Mai Mahiu flood tragedy, which resulted in over 60 deaths, are seeking answers about the incident's cause, as many suffer physical and mental trauma.

Two years later, they blamed Kenya Railways management and demanded action to prevent future tragedies.

This coincided with Deputy President Kiithure Kindiki leading government officials in a resettlement programme, distributing title deeds to 105 affected landowners and providing each with a Sh20,000 start-up kit.

However, tenants impacted by the flood will have to wait longer, as the Ministry of Land is seeking additional land for their resettlement.

Bernard Kamau, who lost two sons, said the move was long overdue, noting the families have endured immense suffering.

 

DP Kithure Kindiki hands over title deeds to victims of the Mai Mahiu floods that left over 60 dead and many others injured. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

He also called for investigations, disputing that the incident was an accident, and suggesting it resulted from a failure by government officers working with Kenya Railways.

"Many families are still traumatised and nursing injuries, but the main concern is what caused the incident and if it can happen again,” he stated.

Kamau welcomed the resettlement but urged the government to consider the tens of tenants who also lost loved ones and possessions.

This sentiment was echoed by victim Samson Njamba, who described the resettlement as positive and hoped their case would be addressed.

Njamba said they were among those hardest hit, losing loved ones and belongings.

"As landowners are resettled, some of whom didn't even live on the land, we ask the government to reconsider our case, even if it means giving us a plot,” he said.

Another victim, David Karanja, viewed the resettlement as long overdue and called for more support to rebuild their homes.

"We welcome the resettlement, but the Sh20,000 is too little since we lost everything and haven't recovered," he said.

Addressing the victims, Deputy President Kindiki assured that all affected families would be resettled, starting with 105 landowners.

He instructed the Ministry of Land to find additional land for the 56 tenants affected, but not initially included.

"The government promised to resettle all victims, and this has been fulfilled, with survivors also receiving an extra Sh20,000," he said.

Nixon Korir, PS for Lands, added that the ministry acquired 230 acres and distributed land to landowners, schools, markets, and hospitals.

"We have begun showing the land to victims, and this will be completed in a day so they can start moving in,” he explained.

Others, including Lands Minister Alice Wahome and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, said that the resettlement process silenced critics.