Residents of Gitwamba Village, situated along the brim of the nearly overflowing Karimenu Dam, have stood firm against evacuation directives issued by President William Ruto’s Cabinet, prompting a plea from a local Member of Parliament.
In interviews with the media, villagers emphasized their refusal to leave their homes until promised compensation, pledged during the dam’s construction in 2019, is fulfilled. Many residents have invested in their dwellings and express concerns about their livelihoods in the absence of adequate compensation.
Last week, President Ruto instructed individuals living in precarious areas, including floodplains and riparian zones, to evacuate within 48 hours to ensure their safety.
Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia echoed community sentiments, urging President Ruto’s administration to expedite compensation processes and ensure the relocation of families residing perilously close to the dam’s edge.
With impending rain forecasts heightening concerns of further flooding, MP Kururia emphasized the urgency of addressing the plight of Karimenu Dam residents, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent loss of life and property.
As the nation grapples with the devastating effects of ongoing flooding, MP Kururia’s appeal underscores the critical need for swift government intervention to safeguard vulnerable communities across the country.
