Kindiki orders evacuation of 200 families downstream Kijabe by 6 PM

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has issued a directive for the immediate evacuation of over 200 families residing downstream of the Kijabe railway in Ruiru village.

The CS instructed the Kiambu County Security and Intelligence Committee to facilitate the relocation of all individuals whose homes are potentially in the path of stormwater downstream in the event of a drainage system failure.

He expressed concern that water accumulation around the railway has begun, posing a significant risk of a more severe tragedy than the one witnessed in Mai Mahiu.

Kindiki clarified that the water is amassing upstream, posing a danger to those residing downstream. The affected families have until 6 PM to relocate to safer locations identified by the government.

“Those who fail to move out will be evacuated mandatorily for public safety,” Kindiki reiterated on Tuesday.

“More water is accumulating around the Kijabe railway and is likely to result in a larger catastrophe than the one seen in Mai Mahiu.”

Since the initial evacuation orders were issued, only 86 families have complied and relocated.

Following the Mai Mahiu tragedy on April 29, which claimed over 60 lives, Kindiki directed either voluntary relocation or mandatory evacuation for all individuals living near the 178 dams and water reservoirs.

The CS also instructed County Security and Intelligence Committees to monitor continuously other dams or water reservoirs nationwide that may pose risks during further precipitation.

The government pledged to provide logistical support, food, and essential non-food items to all affected by the directives.

Furthermore, the CS mandated the immediate evacuation or forced removal of individuals living in riparian zones and within 30 meters of rivers nationwide.

He also ordered the demolition of illegally constructed buildings within the 30-meter radius of Nairobi Rivers (Mathare, Ngong, and Nairobi Rivers).

As of Tuesday, the death toll from the devastating floods had risen to 238.

According to the Ministry of Interior, another 75 people are still missing, and 174 individuals have been reported injured.

Approximately 47,000 households have been displaced, affecting around 235,000 people.

The Ministry estimated that heavy rains have impacted approximately 286,011 individuals across the country.

Currently, 167 camps have been established in 22 counties, accommodating 70,451 people.