Flood victims from Kapuothe in Nyalenda B Ward, Kisumu County, staged a dramatic protest today at the office of their Member of County Assembly (MCA), Hon. James Were. They decried prolonged neglect over perennial flooding and demanded urgent action to address their plight.
The residents, who have suffered repeated displacements due to flooding from River Nyamasaria, criticized the delay in constructing dykes, which they view as a permanent solution to the recurring menace. The floods, exacerbated by heavy rains, have destroyed farms, homes, and livestock, forcing many to seek refuge in schools like Nanga Primary. With schools set to reopen on Monday, the victims expressed frustration over the uncertainty of their future.
Calls for Accountability
The demonstrators questioned the allocation of Ksh. 2 million by the World Bank for flood mitigation in the area. They accused leaders, including Hon. Were, Kisumu East MP Hon. Joshua Oron, and City Manager Abala Wanga, of prioritizing food distribution over a sustainable resolution.
“There was Ksh. 2 million allocated for the construction of the dykes, but up to now, no work has started. We are tired of receiving relief food—it’s not a solution to the flooding,” one protester stated emphatically.
MCA’s Response
In response, Hon. Were acknowledged the devastating impact of the flooding, which has left residents displaced, farms destroyed, and the community vulnerable to waterborne diseases like cholera. He outlined plans for river desiltation and assured residents of his commitment to resolving the crisis.
Defending the delayed use of the Ksh. 2 million, the MCA revealed that contractors estimated a budget of Ksh. 15 million to effectively construct the dykes.
“The allocated funds are insufficient for the project, but we will start with the available resources and lobby for additional support from the county government and donors,” he explained.
Were also cited internal disagreements among residents as contributing to the delays. “Some residents wanted to handle the work themselves, while others preferred machinery. We have now reached a consensus, and contractors will commence work soon,” he added.
Way Forward
Hon. Were assured the community that initial steps would begin immediately, with efforts to secure more funding underway. Residents, however, remain firm that only tangible progress on the dykes will restore their confidence in local leadership.
The Kapuothe flood crisis continues to expose the vulnerabilities of disaster management in Kisumu County, with affected families emphasizing the need for permanent solutions over temporary aid.
