To mitigate further loss of life, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has directed that all Kenyans crossing flooded rivers without/with breached bridges to be arrested and charged with attempted suicide.
In a statement on Monday, Kindiki instructed all County Security and Intelligence Committee across the Country to enforce the directive in a bid to mitigate further loss of life.
“All CSICs, are directed to deploy enforcement teams at urban and rural road spots prone to storm water flooding and without bridges or where the water has breached the bridge to prevent motorists or pedestrians from dangerous crossovers and to arrest and prosecute offenders for attempted suicide and/or attempted murder as the facts of the case may be.” the statement read in part.
Additionally, all CSICs were ordered that all public and private dams and water reservoirs are inspected within 24 hours effective at 1400hrs effective Monday, April 29.
“Inspect all public and private dams and water reservoirs in their jurisdictions within 24 Hours effective at 1400 Hours today and recommend cases where compulsory evacuation and temporary resettlement orders are to issue.” Kindiki directed.
The directive also instructed that the deployed officials should also be on the lookout for individuals taking advantage of the situation at hand to earn extra money.
“Prevent the transportation of passengers across flooded rivers or storm water by unsafe canoes or boats and arrest inexperienced and unscrupulous persons taking advantage of the prevailing situation to cash in on persons in distress.” Kindiki continued to say.
In that line, the government will be coordinating with relevant agencies and partners to support all those who have been affected by the floods.
1. The Government is deeply concerned by the loss of life and destruction of public and private property resulting from the ongoing floods.
2. There are reports of continued risky behaviour by motorists and pedestrians, and casual treatment by members of the public of weather…
— Kithure Kindiki (@KindikiKithure) April 29, 2024
Also read; “Stop Driving And Walking Through Moving Water” Kindiki Warns Kenyans