One Year Later, Mai Mahiu Flood victims Plead for Government Resettlement
One year after floodwaters swept through villages in Mai Mahiu, survivors say government promises to resettle them remain unfulfilled. On Monday, dozens of displaced residents submitted a formal petition to Parliament, calling for immediate intervention to end their prolonged hardship.
The flood disaster, which struck overnight in April 2024, killed more than 60 people and left hundreds injured. Torrents of water destroyed homes, split families, and pushed entire communities into crisis.
President William Ruto, addressing the aftermath last year, pledged swift resettlement and support for survivors. Today, many of those families remain homeless or in temporary shelters, still waiting for help that has yet to come.
“We lost our homes, our families, and our peace of mind,” said Mary Wanjiku, who survived the flood but now faces ongoing trauma. “We are still living with injuries, some physical, others emotional. The government made promises. We need them to act.”
Wanjiku’s appeal is echoed by others who now rely on charity to meet basic needs. John Karora urged Parliament to hold responsible agencies accountable and pressure them to act. “Many of us have spent months unable to afford rent or food. We can’t keep waiting,” he said.
The victims gathered in Mai Mahiu during a relief distribution organized by Action in Focus Foundation and Valley Light Children’s Home. The groups provided food donations to more than 200 families. But for many survivors, food aid is not enough.
John Njoroge of Valley Light Children’s Home said the delay in government response has deepened the suffering. “These families are still in crisis. Without resettlement, they cannot rebuild their lives,” he stated.
Njoroge added that a government-imposed caveat on disputed land has blocked many families from accessing or selling their parcels. “They can’t even develop the land or use it to raise money. That restriction must be lifted,” he said.
According to Njoroge, over 10,000 affected families have received aid since the tragedy, but most still face economic strain and mental health challenges. “We see stress, depression, and hopelessness, especially among women and children,” he said.
Eric Karani from Action in Focus Foundation said the latest food donation was aimed at bridging the gap while families await a permanent solution. “This is only temporary support. Real change can only come from the government keeping its word,” he said.
The victims have asked Parliament to fast-track resettlement plans, fund recovery programs, and remove administrative blocks preventing families from rebuilding.
For now, survivors of the Mai Mahiu flood are still waiting many with nowhere to call home.
