The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has sued three Interior Cabinet Secretaries Kithure Kindiki alongside his two colleagues for poor preparation over the floods witnessed last month.
In the suit filed at Nairobi High Court, Kindiki was sued alongside Environment CS Soipan Tuya and Lands CS Alice Wahome.
The Commission, in their court documents, opined that the trio alongside other government agencies failed to plan for the flooding despite prior warning from the weatherman.
According to the civil group, the government ought to have taken measures to mitigate the floods which claimed the lives of over 200 Kenyans.
"This negligence persisted despite a warning from the Kenya Meteorological Department on July 30, 2023, regarding the intensification of the country’s rainy season due to the El Niño weather pattern.
"In the petition filed on May 16, KHRC said the government violated citizens’ constitutional rights by failing to protect them from the devastating floods," read the statement in part.
KHCR also raised concern over the evictions that were done by the agencies after the floods in areas like Mukuru Kwa Reuben and Kwa Njenga slums
Consequently, the Commission is also calling on the government to compensate all Kenyans who were affected during the floods owing to the negligence of its officers.
"Institutions targeted in the legal action include the Water Resources Authority, the National Environment Management Authority, the Council of Governors, the National Disaster Management Authority, and Kenya Railways.
"KHRC urged the court to compel the government to provide humanitarian assistance, including alternative accommodation, food, and social amenities, to people affected by floods before the case is heard and determined," read the statement in part.
As a matter of public concern, the Commission called on the Court to prioritise the case and deliver a ruling.
Floods were witnessed in most parts of the country in April following heavy rains that lasted for two weeks. During the incident, over 200 Kenyans lost their lives.
On the other hand, over 100,000 Kenyans were displaced as property worth millions was destroyed.
