Northern Kenya

Isiolo religious leaders seek help for 1,800 families displaced by floods

Isiolo County Interfaith Network Chairperson Ahmed Sett and Secretary Stephen Kalunyu address journalists after a meeting in Isiolo town on May 8, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

By Waweru Wairimu | Wednesday, May 8, 2024

The government must ensure temporary shelters are available, and have adequate supplies, before asking residents to move, Interfaith Network says.

Religious leaders in Isiolo County have appealed for humanitarian assistance for 1,800 local families displaced by floods and implored the county and national government to ensure residents in danger zones move to safer parts.

Under the Interfaith Network, they said the lack of a clear temporal settlement plan in areas prone to floods was to blame for their continued reluctance to move to higher grounds.

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Network chair Ahmed Sett said authorities must ensure temporary shelters are available and well-equipped with basic amenities such as food, water, and drug supplies, before asking residents to relocate.

"They will remain hesitant when asked to move if there are no clear plans for providing basic amenities, shelter, and security, which are critical," he said during a meeting convened by the Chemichemi ya Ukweli movement in Isiolo town.

At least seven schools and four mosques in Merti town have been affected by floodwaters after the River Ewaso Nyiro burst its banks following heavy downpours in the neighbouring upper counties.

The raging waters have also destroyed road infrastructure and several boreholes, exposing residents to the risk of running out of crucial supplies and water-borne diseases.

As the people grapple with these challenges, the government has asked those in areas prone to natural disasters to move.

Religious leaders who attended the Isiolo town meeting included Interfaith Network Secretary Stephen Kalunyu and Reverend Dida Voriso of the Anglican Church of Kenya.

Kalunyu appealed to residents to always heed advisories by the government, saying this would help avert destruction by the floods that had claimed 257 lives by May 8.

"When asked to avoid crossing flooded rivers, they should obey because their safety is paramount," he said.

On Tuesday, Deputy Governor James Lowasa appealed for help for the flood victims, saying that parts of Ngaremara and Garbatulla wards had been affected.

"Isiolo is among the counties getting the least shareable allocation from the National Treasury, forcing us to rely on partnerships to tackle an emergency like this one."

The clerics also asked local elected leaders to set aside their differences and join hands in bettering residents' lives.

Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo and Senator Fatuma Dullo, who were both elected on the Jubilee Party ticket, have become political foes.

"We are ready to help in reconciliation because our people will continue suffering if wrangling continues," Sett said, noting the disagreements were dividing the people.

Dida urged respect, collaboration, and improved working relationships to ensure the county does not lag behind development-wise.

Kalunyu assured of their commitment to propagating religious tolerance among the communities in the cosmopolitan Isiolo County.

"There is no religion in competition with or superior to another," he said.