Heavy rains that pounded Murang’a County from Friday night have left behind significant destruction, with traders, farmers, and residents bearing the brunt of the downpour. In Murang’a town, the Mukuyu open-air market was worst hit as floods swept through stalls, destroying merchandise, particularly cereals.
Traders who arrived early on Sunday morning were met with a devastating scene as floodwaters had soaked their goods. Many blamed the flooding on poor drainage, pointing fingers at individuals undertaking construction without observing guidelines, leading to blocked manholes and sewer lines.
Peter Njuguna, a trader at the market, lamented the severe losses, attributing the situation to negligence by those who have erected structures on drainage systems. “The county government must act urgently to unblock the drainage and remove illegal structures built on manholes,” he urged.
Responding to the crisis, Mukuyu Chief Adams Kariuki led a community effort to manually unblock the clogged drainage, allowing stagnant water to flow. He assured residents of plans to work with local leaders to prevent future flooding.
In the Maragua area, farmers also suffered immense losses. A devastated farmer expressed sorrow after floods washed away her vegetable crops just days before she was due to harvest. “It is a major blow. I expected to take the produce to the market before the end of this month,” she said.
The situation in Kangema sub-county turned dire when a landslide destroyed part of a house, forcing the affected family to relocate. Authorities have raised alarm over the risk of further landslides in the region, urging residents in vulnerable zones to move to safer areas.
Infrastructure was also impacted, with the road connecting Kanyenyaini and Tuthu trading centres rendered impassable after being cut off by a landslide.
Murang’a County Director of Meteorology, Peter Mutu, warned that heavy rains are expected to persist for the next five days, especially in the county’s upper zones. He called for increased vigilance and caution among residents, particularly those living in flood and landslide-prone areas.
