Over 5,000 people have been displaced by the rising levels of Lake Naivasha with fears that the numbers could rise in the coming days.
The most affected is Kihoto which borders the lake with tens of boreholes and latrines flooded raising fears of a disease outbreak in the estate that is home to tens of flower farm workers.
Tens of wild animals including buffaloes and hippos have also been adversely affected after pasture-land around the riparian was flooded pushing them to nearby farms in search of pastures.
Already, one person has drowned in the estate after falling into one of the flooded boreholes as residents called on the government to come to their rescue.
According to Lakeview MCA Alex Mbugua, the situation was getting worse by the day as the number of those affected continued to rise with no support from the national government.
He said that the county government was overwhelmed by the current situation adding that there were fears of a disease outbreak due to the flooded latrines.
“Over 5,000 people have been displaced so far and things could get worse as water levels continue to rise by the day flooding homes, boreholes and latrines,” he said.
While calling for assistance from the national government, Mbugua noted that several schools had been closed down, one person had died and there was no supply of clean water.
This was echoed by his Viwandani counterpart Mwangi Muraya who said that tens of wildlife displaced by the floods had turned into nearby estates.
He said that the county had provided water treatment drugs adding that more funds and support was needed for the affected families.
“There is a major disaster looming in this estate if no action is taken and we are asking the national government to assist in relocating the affected families,” he said.
A resident, Michael Wainaina said that this was the second time that the estate had flooded affecting tens of land owners who had invested on the land.
“Residents are being forced to go home early due to the high number of hippos and buffaloes that are roaming around posing a danger to residents,” he said.
Another victim, Samson Otieno said that they had been forced to live in the flooded houses as they could not afford rent elsewhere due to the harsh economic times.
“We do not have cash to relocate to other estates, we fear our houses could collapse and we are asking the government to come to our rescue,” said Fanice Auma.
