The ongoing heavy rainfall and resultant flash floods have wrecked havoc across the country, causing destruction and death. This has prompted yet another radical directive by the government in an attempt to prevent the further loss of lives.

In a statement on Monday, April 29, 2024, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki ordered that Kenyans crossing flooded rivers and roads be charged with attempted suicide.

The order will be enforced by County Security and Intelligence Committees (CSICs).

"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."

Kindiki further instructed the CSICs to inspect all dams and water reservoirs in the country within 24 hours effective 2pm Monday, April 25. The committee is expected to submit a report and issue recommendations of best possible cause of action.

The CS assured members of the public of the government's commitment in preventing further loss of lives in the ongoing flash floods.

The announcement follows the recent death of Kenyans navigating flooded rivers and roads in the past week. A boat ferrying 53 people capsized in River Tana last week resulting in loss of lives.

Sunday night, April 28, the Old Kijabe dam in Maai Mahiu burst its banks and swept households. Confirming the incident, Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara revealed that 42 people have died while search and rescue efforts continue.