- Heavy rains on March 7 left Nairobi submerged, sparking public anger over poor drainage systems
- Governor Johnson Sakaja faced harsh criticism, with MP Babu Owino blaming him and promising to fix the crisis if he is elected in 2027
- Critics accused Babu of using the crisis for political gain, noting that, while governance gaps may be a factor, the flooding is also due to Nairobi’s natural geography.
The floods in Nairobi have already found a place in the 2027 campaigns, with candidates for the leadership of the City taking the disaster as an important point of discussion.
Source: Twitter
On Friday evening, March 6, the capital was flooded following heavy rain.
Many roads were impassable, and several residential areas witnessed heavy flooding.
Why Governor Sakaja was criticized
Governor Johnson he was heavily criticized, with many accusing him of failing to design an adequate drainage system to manage such conflicts.
Among his critics is the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East Grandfather Owinowho has announced his intention to run for governor.
Babu blamed Sakaja for the floods, stressing that it is the governor’s responsibility to put in place systems that can withstand rainwater during heavy storms.
He vowed to resolve the issue forever if elected in 2027.
“There will be no more tears in 2027 from the people of Nairobi. This is the last ineffective leadership that the people of Nairobi will endure. Our hearts are heavy as we stand with the people of Nairobi at this difficult time,” he said, expressing solidarity with the flood victims and mobilizing support from his supporters.
He further comforted the affected families.
“To the families who lost loved ones in the recent floods, we mourn with you and pray for you. To those who lost homes, businesses, and assets worth millions, please know that you are not alone in this pain. Times like these remind us that our strength is in unity. As residents of Nairobi, we must come together to help, comfort, and help rebuild the lives shaken by this tragedy. May those we lost rest in peace, with healing, courage, and hope guide every affected family. Nairobi, we stand with you.”
How Babu Owino was asked questions about the role of the management of Nairobi
However, some in Babu’s audience questioned how he would effectively handle such conflicts if elected governor.
Critics argued that, while governance gaps may be a factor, the disaster was due to many factors, including natural causes.
They accused him of using the tragedy for political gain, using it to weaken Sakaja and increase his own chances.
Critics further argued that Nairobi’s drainage challenges extend beyond City Hall, rooted in decades of urban planning.
Source: Twitter
Others pointed out that Nairobi’s geography, being in the lowlands, makes flooding inevitable despite drainage improvements.
They found that even the world’s most famous cities suffer from flooding, meaning that Nairobi is no different.
Below are some comments;
“I think if Babu will have control over nature, he can stop rain, then you’ll be the best,” said Nyakwar Chore Would Japuonj.
“I think a spectator knows how to play better than the players on the pitch,” asked Kiplagat Moses Kigen.
“Will you relocate Nairobi to the mountain? Many world-class cities like New York are also flooded,” Stephen Ouma said. ·
“No way you can control floods unless you build mountains,” said Enrique Kim.
“What will you do, elevate the ground or move Nairobi somewhere else?” Koome Mutua said
“You will be commanding the rains like Prophet Owuor,” said Jay Kiprotich.
“Or you will buy a big umbrella to protect the city,” asked Kenvill Humphrey Oluoch.
“Nairobi is in a lowland, so great volumes of flood can never be stopped by any kind of drainage system. It can bust all the drainage systems within,” said Kenvil Oluoch.
How many died in the Nairobi floods?
At least ten people were killed after massive floods inundated the city.
County Police Commander George Seda confirmed that eight victims were swept away by the powerful flood waters, some stuck in cars, while two others died in separate incidents of electric shock.
He added that the heavy rain left 71 vehicles stranded while the roads were impassable, and the Senator Edwin Sifuna he warned that the actual death toll could be much higher, with many more victims still unaccounted for.
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