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"id": 1407472,
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Cherarkey",
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"legal_name": "Cherarkey K Samson",
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"content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52(1) to make a Statement on a matter of national and general topical concern, namely, the Mai Mahiu and other tragedies that led to the death of 180 Kenyans as of this morning because of the ongoing floods. On Monday, we received shocking news from Mai Mahiu in Naivasha, Nakuru County, of Kenyans having been swept away by floods and raging water from a water- filled gulley from Kiambu County. This resulted in the deaths of over 45 persons, but the number has gone slightly up. Others are hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries and others are still missing. Further, property of unknown value and livelihoods of hundreds of people were destroyed in the tragedy. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish on behalf of this House, to sincerely pass our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wish a quick recovery to those still receiving treatment in various hospitals. As we continue to pray, like you saw the President praying for them, for comfort and solace from God, I urge every Kenyan to take extra caution even as the heavy rains continue to pound various parts of the country. Even as relevant bodies seek to unravel what exactly happened, in Mai Mahiu, we have also seen floods in Narok, Kajiado, Machakos, Nairobi and Garissa and the bursting of River Tana at a place called Kisimayo--- Noting that it was initially reported that Kijabe Dam had burst its bank, sweeping away homes and causing deaths, it was later reported that a manmade gulley in Kiambu County was filled with water, causing the tragedy. We call for speedy humanitarian assistance for the victims. Mai Mahiu, among other tragedies across the country, pose questions on the role of the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), especially on temporary dams and water pans that have not been properly regulated. We also have water gullies and others that have been created illegally. We would like to know whether the authority has sanctioned and allowed development of such water pans and dams. Mr. Speaker, Sir, you will remember that in the previous Parliament, during the Solai Dam Tragedy in 2018, as the Chairperson of the Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, we recommended that the responsible officers of WARMA, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the National Construction Authority (NCA) be charged with criminal neglect of duty. With the Mai Mahiu incident, it seems that the same is repeating. The WARMA should provide a comprehensive inspection report of all the dams, water pans and water gullies in the country, indicating measures taken to avoid bursting of dams during this rainy season across the country. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Ministry of Roads and Transport must ensure Kenyans have alternative routes, proper drainage along the roads, and swift restoration of damaged roads. When you drive around the City, there are many potholes that can cause death. There is need to have proper markings and signage, especially at blackspots."
}