Residents of Mathare, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, are grappling with the aftermath of a devastating flood that destroyed homes and claimed the lives of many. Collins Obondo lost his mother, a community activist known as Mama Victor, in the flood. Obondo, who survived because he was elsewhere when the flood occurred, blames the government for the neglect that led to the disaster. He criticizes the government for failing to provide assistance to the affected residents and accuses them of being responsible for the loss and destruction that occurred.
The Kenyan government has announced the deployment of military and rescue personnel to enhance emergency response efforts across the country. However, residents in Mathare, including Obondo, say that no government assistance has reached them. The lack of support from the authorities has left displaced residents struggling to recover and rebuild their lives in the wake of the flood. Many have lost their homes, businesses, and loved ones, adding to the trauma and devastation caused by the disaster.
The flood in Mathare has highlighted the historic government neglect faced by residents of informal settlements in Nairobi. These areas lack basic services such as clean water, electricity, proper drainage, and sewage systems, making them vulnerable to natural disasters. The heavy rainfall that triggered the flood exacerbated by climate change and the El Nino weather pattern has had devastating consequences across Kenya. Thousands of people have been displaced, with many losing their homes and possessions in the floods.
Displaced residents in Mathare are struggling to cope with the aftermath of the flood, searching for missing relatives and salvaging whatever belongings they can find in the rubble. The community-based organization Mathare Social Justice Centre has been providing assistance to residents with food and clothes, but residents say that government intervention and support are urgently needed. The lack of official response has fueled frustration and anger among residents who feel abandoned by the authorities in their time of need.
The unprecedented flooding in Mathare has left residents in a desperate situation, with many facing hunger, lack of clean water, and inadequate shelter. The government’s failure to provide timely assistance and relief efforts has further exacerbated the suffering of those affected by the flood. As forecasts predict more heavy rainfall in the coming days, residents fear the situation will worsen without adequate support from the authorities. Calls for government intervention and assistance grow louder as residents demand accountability and action to address the root causes of their vulnerability.
The impact of the flood in Mathare goes beyond the physical destruction caused by the natural disaster. Residents see it as a manifestation of systemic issues rooted in government neglect, poverty, and inequality. They argue that had the government invested in providing basic services and infrastructure to slum residents, the damage and loss caused by the flood could have been mitigated. As residents continue to struggle to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the disaster, they call on the government to fulfill its duty to protect and support all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status.
