Raila to Ruto: You have failed Kenyans

Azimio Leader Raila Odinga flags off food and non-food items to flood victims in Mukuru Kwa Njenga at Reuben Secondary School in Nairobi on May 03, 2024. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Opposition leader Raila Odinga wants President William Ruto to declare the ongoing flood crisis a national disaster to enhance the level of response.

The former prime minister said only such a move would unlock aid from foreign nations in fighting the crisis, even as he faulted the government's response.

"Declare the flooding a national disaster so that emergency steps can kick in in the entire nation. Foreign nations cannot offer help without us declaring it a national disaster," Raila said during a food donation drive organised by his Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party in Mukuru, Nairobi Friday.