Human Rights Watch has condemned the Kenyan government for its inadequate response to the devastating floods that have claimed the lives of over 170 people since the beginning of the rainy season. The organization criticized authorities for failing to take necessary precautions to prevent the foreseeable harm caused by climate change and extreme weather events.
Despite the early warning issued by Kenya’s Meteorology Department before the onset of the rainy season, a response committee was only established by President William Ruto on April 24. By that time, nearly 100 people had already lost their lives, highlighting the government’s delayed reaction to the crisis.
The ongoing floods have displaced more than 150,000 individuals in Kenya and other parts of East Africa, forcing them to seek refuge in temporary camps. This situation echoes the lessons not learned from last year’s rainy season, which also resulted in a high number of casualties.
Although the meteorology department had predicted increased rainfall as a result of the El Niño weather pattern earlier this year, Ruto claimed that the country had been spared by the phenomenon back in October. The government allocated $75 million for a nationwide response to the floods, but there are concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of the fund utilization.
Criticism has been particularly harsh regarding the slow government response to the flooding in Mai Mahiu, where at least 45 people have been reported dead and over 80 are still missing. As more rain is expected throughout May, authorities have directed individuals living in flood-prone areas to relocate or face forced evacuation to ensure their safety.
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