Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Monday, April 29, directed that Kenyans crossing flooded rivers will be arrested and charged with attempted suicide.
County Security and Intelligence Committees (CSICs) across the country were ordered to immediately enforce the directive.
"All CSICs are directed to immediately deploy enforcement teams at urban and rural road spots prone to stormwater flooding and without bridges or where the water has breached the bridge to prevent motorists or pedestrians from dangerous crossovers and to arrest and prosecute offenders for attempted suicide and/or attempted murder as the facts of the case may be," the statement read in part.
"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."
Additionally, all CSICs were ordered to inspect all public and private dams and water reservoirs in their jurisdiction within 24 hours effective at 1400hrs effective Monday, April 29.
After the inspection, Kindiki remarked that the committees should recommend cases where compulsory evacuation and temporary resettlement orders be issued.
Kindiki explaining the tough measures remarked that the government was keen on preventing further loss of lives and property due to the flooding experienced in all parts of the country.
In that line, the government will be coordinating with relevant agencies and partners to support all those who have been affected by the floods.
With over 100 people having lost their lives due to floods, CS Kindiki revealed that this was largely due to the carelessness of motorists and pedestrians.
"There are reports of continued risky behaviour by motorists and pedestrians and casual treatment by members of the public of weather forecast," Kindiki regretted.
The CS further noted that there was a growing trend of Kenyans who were ignoring voluntary evacuation advisories.
Kindiki also noted that some Kenyans had taken advantage of impassable roads to operate rudimentary canoes or boats.
While calling an end to that, Kindiki noted that not only was it endangering the lives of Kenyans but it was also taking advantage of people in distress.
