Over 20 families count losses after heavy rains in Kirinyaga

Residents living along the Makutano-Mwea highway were the most affected due to the poor water drainage systems from Mbeere area of Embu County.

Former teacher Rachel Njeri Chege said her seven-foot perimeter wall, valued at over Ksh.100,000, was destroyed by the strong water currents.

"The floods were mixed with human waste and we fear an outbreak of waterborne diseases like cholera," Chege said.

Angry residents are blaming the flooding on the contractor who built the Kenol-Marwa dual carriage for failing to unblock culverts.

"We have sent several letters to the constructor, Kirinyaga governor, and area MCA even before the rain started," said Simon Ngure.

Residents have said that they have previously urged Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau to raise the issue in the Senate as the construction of a flyover in Makutano is forcing the water into nearby residential areas.

"We want development. We are not against it but water must be chanelled to the right direction and at the same time we want the contractor from the Chinese company to compensate us," Ngure said.