Nairobi, Kenya-The national government has finally intervened in the ongoing El Nino disaster that has seen 70 people lose their lives, others displaced, and roads destroyed.
Speaking after an emergency meeting held in State House, President William Ruto said, “A multi-agency team has been set up to assist Kenyans affected by floods across the country.”
Those present during the meeting included cabinet secretaries for interior Kithure Kindiki, defense’s Aden Duale, and transport’s Kipchumba Murkomen along with the Council of Governors Chairperson Ann Waiguri. Also present were Chief of the Defense Forces Francis Ogolla and the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.
The President added, “The National Disaster Operation Centre will coordinate the emergency response and the cabinet will meet on Monday to finalise a concrete intervention strategy.”
County governments vs. national government
This happens while there have an exchange of words between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Mombasa County Governor Abdullswamad Nassir, after governors asked for support from the national government.
The deputy president responded by saying that “affected counties should figure ways to attend to El Nino victims in their areas of jurisdiction.”
While defending county leaders, the Chairperson of the Council of Governors Ann Waiguru reiterated that county governments had not received any money set aside to manage the El Nino menace from the national administration.
As heavy rains continue in the country, more counties are joining the list of affected regions with the northeastern part of the country being the most affected, having displaced people and destroyed roads, affecting transportation in the region.
