Garsen residents seek compensation from KENGEN over floods

Appearing before the Departmental Committee on Energy, the residents accused KENGEN of releasing water from Masinga Dam on April 24, 2018 without adequate notice which caused massive floods/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 11 – Residents of Garsen Constituency have called on the government to intervene and ensure the Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KENGEN) compensates them for the death of seven people and destruction of property worth millions.

Appearing before the Departmental Committee on Energy, the residents accused KENGEN of releasing water from Masinga Dam on April 24, 2018 without adequate notice which caused massive floods.

With tears flowing down his cheeks, Ibrahim Rufo a resident of Galili, Garsen Constituency, gave account of how he lost his eight-month old baby and niece.

“I have personally been affected by these occurrences. It was at night that our home was filled with water, I tried to save what I could together with my wife but unfortunately, we lost our child. Later, we found my niece dead after she was swept away by floods we buried her recently,” explained Rufo.

While narrating his ordeal, Mohammed Golo another victim questioned why their problems are not given attention like other Kenyans saying they feel abandoned by the government and called on it to act as soon as possible before more lives are lost and property destroyed.

“The poverty rate in Garsen and Tana River in general is at 85 per cent. This is due to under development in the area and our problems are not taken as seriously as they should. Are we not Kenyans like the rest? We need our leaders to come to our rescue,” said Golo.

The committee led by the Chairman David Gikaria (Endebess MP) promised to raise their grievances at the National Assembly as well have a meeting with KENGEN to come up with a solution.

“Your problems have fallen on the right ears and as a committee we will take your issues as our own. Be sure through this committee and through your MP Ali Wario (MP Garsen), a lasting solution will be found,” Gikaria assured them.