Rising waters from Lake Naivasha have continued to submerge homes, destroy property, and displace thousands of residents — with the people of Kihoto being among the hardest hit. What was once a thriving community is now facing an unfolding humanitarian crisis. Families are sleeping in makeshift shelters, livelihoods have been wiped out overnight, and uncertainty hangs heavily over a community that has already endured so much.
The situation is dire. It demands not just acknowledgment, but an urgent, coordinated, and compassionate response.
This tragedy raises difficult but necessary questions.
Where is the Nakuru County Government’s disaster management department? What happened to the emergency allocations meant to address exactly this kind of calamity? Where are the national disaster response agencies — those mandated to protect and support citizens during emergencies — agencies that should already be on the ground offering relief, conducting assessments, and developing long-term recovery plans?
Most importantly, where are our leaders? Leadership is not about appearing during celebrations; it is tested and proven in moments of crisis. The people of Kihoto deserve leaders who show up, communicate clearly, take responsibility, and mobilize resources without delay.
As citizens, we must continue to raise our voices and demand accountability. The recurring floods around Lake Naivasha are not new. Without proper planning, policy enforcement, and sustained investment in disaster preparedness, the same painful cycle will continue to devastate communities year after year.
Our people deserve better — a government that acts swiftly, transparently, and with empathy. Disasters do not wait. Neither should our institutions.
Let us stand in solidarity with the families of Kihoto and demand immediate humanitarian intervention and long-term solutions that address the root causes of this crisis. Our people cannot be left behind — not again, not this time.
