By Erick Otieno
Migori gubernatorial aspirant Pamella Odhiambo has called for urgent government intervention following devastating floods that have disrupted livelihoods and infrastructure across several parts of the country, including Migori County.
Speaking in the wake of the heavy rains that triggered widespread flooding last weekend, Dr. Odhiambo urged residents living in riparian areas to relocate immediately to safer ground as authorities continue assessing the damage.
“We cannot control the current crisis,” she said. “Those living in riparian lands must move with speed and relocate to safer areas to avoid further loss of lives and property.”
Her remarks come as several regions across Kenya grapple with flooding caused by torrential rains that have led to fatalities, displacement of families, and destruction of infrastructure.
Reports from disaster response agencies indicate that dozens of people have lost their lives in flood-related incidents in different parts of the country over the past few days, while hundreds of households have been displaced as rivers burst their banks and roads were washed away.
Dr. Odhiambo lauded the swift decision by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to temporarily close the Migori main bridge along the busy Kenya–Tanzania Highway after floodwaters weakened sections of the structure, posing a danger to motorists and traders who rely on the route.
“The temporary closure of the Migori main bridge was a prudent decision to protect motorists and avert a possible tragedy. However, the national government must move with speed to conduct a comprehensive assessment and fast-track the rehabilitation and reconstruction works,” she said.
She noted that the bridge is a vital economic link connecting Kenya and Tanzania, facilitating cross-border trade and the movement of goods and services within the East African region.
Dr. Odhiambo further called on engineers and disaster response teams to carry out meticulous assessments of rivers and shorelines in flood-prone areas.
“The assessment should be done swiftly and meticulously. Authorities should introduce more dykes along vulnerable shorelines and ensure that overflow from rivers is properly contained,” she said.
Within Migori County, several areas have been severely affected by flash floods following the swelling of rivers after continuous rainfall. Residents in Angugo Village, Nyora Village, and Kabuto Village are among those hardest hit, with homes inundated and families forced to seek refuge on higher ground.
The situation has also been dire along River Ongoche, where rising water levels have marooned sections of the area and left the Ongoche Bridge badly affected by the raging floods.
Dr. Odhiambo appealed to both national and county governments to step up emergency response efforts and provide immediate relief to affected families.
“I urge disaster management teams to urgently supply both food and non-food items to families who have been displaced by the floods. Many households have lost their homes and sources of livelihood and require urgent humanitarian support,” she said.
She also challenged the County Government of Migori to prioritize rehabilitation of drainage systems in Migori Town, noting that poor drainage has contributed to frequent flash floods whenever heavy rains occur.
Additionally, Dr. Odhiambo urged the national government—particularly the ministries responsible for transport and special programmes—to cushion affected traders and small businesses whose operations have been disrupted by damaged roads and closed transport routes.
“To restore normalcy, the county government must also move with speed to upgrade feeder roads across the county so that residents and businesses can resume their daily activities,” she said.
Kenya’s disaster management agencies have in recent days intensified response operations in flood-affected regions, warning that continued heavy rains could worsen the situation.
Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone
areas to heed evacuation advisories while long-term mitigation measures—such as improved drainage infrastructure, strengthened river banks, and better urban planning—are implemented to reduce future flood risks.
