Kindiki warns unexperienced evacuators as floods continue to cause havoc

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

The government has warned against unscrupulous, inexperienced individuals who have now embarked on voluntary evacuation amidst the ravaging floods in several parts of the country.

In a statement on Monday, April 29, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki ordered the County Security and Intelligence Committees (CSICs) across the country to arrest the individuals participating in such risky rescue operations.

"Prevent the transportation of passengers across flooded rivers or storm water by unsafe canoes or boats and arrest inexperienced and unscrupulous persons taking advantage of the prevailing situation to cash in on persons in distress," stated Kindiki.

CS Kindiki has made the call following reports of continued risky behaviour by motorists and pedestrians and casual treatment by members of the public on the weather forecasts and voluntary evacuation advisories.

He condemned such individuals for taking advantage of the distressed persons by moving them around flooded areas at a fee.

To mitigate the further loss of life and destruction of property, the ministry has called for the inspection of all dams and water reservoirs within 24 hours.

The CSICs are supposed to recommend cases where compulsory evacuation and temporary resettlement orders are to be issued.

Additionally, the committee has been ordered to deploy enforcement teams at urban and rural road spots prone to stormwater flooding to prevent road users from dangerous cross-overs and arrest offenders.