Nairobi Floods: ODM Office Plays Host To Displaced Mathare Hospital Patients

• Azimio leader Raila Odinga disclosed that 5,200 households with a total of 14,000 individuals were affected by floods in Mathare
• Raila advised other counties to learn from Nairobi's helplessness urging them to put in place mitigation measures before disasters
• The ODM leader had held a meeting with a section of Nairobi MPs, Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Governor Johnson Sakaja

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has called upon President William Ruto to declare floods a national disaster in response to the escalating havoc caused by heavy rainfall across the country.

Addressing the press, Raila revealed that the coalition, alongside Nairobi county leadership, including Governor Johnson Sakaja, held an extensive meeting on Wednesday, April 24.

While releasing the statement, Raila urged other counties to learn from Nairobi's helplessness, occasioned by the floods that have led to the destruction of infrastructure, loss of lives, and displacement of thousands of occupants.

Assuring the public of their unwavering support, Raila proceeded to urge both the national and county governments to take proactive measures.

How did ODM help flood victims in Mathare?

Tragically, in Mathare, the deluge claimed the lives of ten individuals, their bodies retrieved amidst the raging waters.

Among the deceased was Benna Buluma, a prominent activist residing in the area, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the disaster.

Raila disclosed that approximately 5,200 households, housing around 14,000 occupants, have been severely affected by the floods.

"River Mathare bursts its banks on the storm of overflows from Thika Super Highway as the waters pour into the low-lying areas of the neighbouring constituencies. Households affected are 5,200 totaling 14,000 individuals.

Temporary shelter is currently at the Mathare Special School for the displaced residents of Huruma and Kiamaiko. Those who were displaced from hospital wards and Mabatini are sheltered temporarily at the Mathare Vocational Training Centre and ODM office," he said.

In light of this, he urged swift and decisive action to mitigate further devastation and provide assistance to affected communities.

Azimio donates KSh 1m to support flood victims

Raila also disclosed that the Azimio MPs present at the meeting collectively donated KSh 1 million to assist the affected residents.

He mentioned that the fund would be transferred to the Nairobi Red Cross team for the procurement of necessary emergency supplies during the ongoing rains.

Additionally, the coalition encouraged the team to establish an emergency support fund to guarantee prompt assistance to the affected areas.

What else you need to know about Nairobi floods

• The Kenya Urban Roads Authority gave a list of roads blocked until the flooding situation in the city is contained
• A matatu full of people was swept away by floods in Kasarani
• Two old trees at the Nairobi CBD fell due to heavy rainfall experienced in the country

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

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Raila Odinga. His ODM office has hosted victims of floods.

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