Yesternight, Landslides and heavy rains affect the residents of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties. Hundreds of residents have no homes after their houses were swept by floods.
Elgeyo-Marakwet Police Commander John Mwinzi said several areas have been cut off, including Chesogon centre. He called on the national government to provide helicopters to aid them in assessing the situation.
“We have received reports the area has been hit by landslides and floods. Reports are that so many people have been affected. We have a challenge of accessing the area because all bridges have been swept away,” Mr Mwinzi said.
While speaking to a local daily via the phone, Marakwet East Police Commander Vincent Kitili also said they are unable to access the area.
Pokot Central Deputy County Commissioner Were Simiyu said they are trying to establish the extent of the damage.
“We have received reports that Chesogon market, the Technical Training Institute, the police post and the primary school there have been submerged,” said Mr Simiyu.
In Nov 2019, a similar incident happened that left many wondering the extent the government division was after CS Matiangi and DP Ruto bad blood was splashed in the public opinion court.
https://twitter.com/kuria_mapesa/status/1199307477982027776?s=20
Chekamos sub location chief Julius Longuriareng said more than 390 people were affected by the landslides and are camping at Ptoo, Kareu, Topno, and Simat Primary schools.
“They are not in a position to go back to their homes because the area is still unsafe and is prone to landslides. They are living in camps after their houses, foodstuff and roads were destroyed,” he said.
Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto visited the families camping at Ptoo Primary School and donated foodstuff and bedding.
“The multi-agency committee should also think of resettling those affected in West Pokot sub-county because they can’t go back to their homes. The schools are almost opening and parents do not have fees for their children,” he said.
William Ruto and Fred Matiang’i
After the landslides, the Deputy President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i had a ‘dick-measuring’ contest on who reached the victims first.
On Twitter, many of DP Ruto’s supporters shared how the Airbus H145 worth Ksh1.5 billion of was able t manoeuver the bad weather whereas KDF’s helicopter carrying CS Matiang’i couldn’t.
Turns out it was all for show and not to help the victims of the landslide and floods. Was Matiang’i avoiding meeting Ruto? All in all, wananchi are the ones who were once again left to their own devices as leaders engaged in showmanship.
