Human Rights Commission Sues Kithure Kindiki and 2 Other CSs For Poor Flood Preparations

Human Rights Commission Sues Kithure Kindiki and 2 Other CSs For Poor Flood Preparations

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has sued three Interior Cabinet Secretaries, including Kithure Kindiki and his two colleagues, for inadequate preparation for the floods that occurred last month.

Kindiki was sued at the Nairobi High Court along with Environment CS Soipan Tuya and Lands CS Alice Wahome.

In court records, the Commission stated that the trio, along with other government entities, failed to plan for the flooding despite receiving prior notice from the weatherman.

According to civil society, the government should have taken action to reduce the floods, which killed over 200 Kenyans.

“This negligence persisted despite a warning from the Kenya Meteorological Department on July 30, 2023, regarding the intensification of the country’s rainy season due to the El Niño weather pattern.

“In the petition filed on May 16, KHRC said the government violated citizens’ constitutional rights by failing to protect them from the devastating floods,” read the statement in part.

KHCR also expressed worry about the evictions conducted by the agencies following the floods in locations such as Mukuru Kwa Reuben and Kwa Njenga slums.

As a result, the Commission is also calling on the government to pay those Kenyans who were harmed by the floods due to the incompetence of its officers.

“Institutions targeted in the legal action include the Water Resources Authority, the National Environment Management Authority, the Council of Governors, the National Disaster Management Authority, and Kenya Railways.

“KHRC urged the court to compel the government to provide humanitarian assistance, including alternative accommodation, food, and social amenities, to people affected by floods before the case is heard and determined,” read the statement in part.

As a matter of public importance, the Commission requested that the Court prioritize the case and provide a decision.

In April, much of the country experienced flooding as a result of two weeks of severe rains. During the tragedy, more than 200 Kenyans lost their life.

On the other hand, more than 100,000 Kenyans were displaced while millions of dollars in property was destroyed.

Human Rights Commission Sues Kithure Kindiki and 2 Other CSs For Poor Flood Preparations