- The shores of Lake Victoria, once a haven for fishing activities, have become a nightmare for the residents of Kamnwa village in West Nyakach, Kisumu County. Repeatedly, the region has been facing devastating floods brought about by rising water levels. This has displaced thousands of people, leaving them destitute.
The shores of Lake Victoria, once a haven for fishing activities, have become a nightmare for the residents of Kamnwa village in West Nyakach, Kisumu County. Repeatedly, the region has been facing devastating floods brought about by rising water levels. This has displaced thousands of people, leaving them destitute.
The County Government of Kisumu and National Government have been blamed for neglect, the residents claiming that incessant calls have fallen on deaf ears. The displacement has had far-reaching implications that affect not only individuals but also the community at large.
A section of Kamnwa villagers narrated to the media of how they have relocated seven times, on every occassion being forced to construct new houses after flood destruction. The residents are also exposed to the danger of hippos brought about by the floods. The dead are not left out either, as only those who cemented the graves of their loved ones have been spared by the wrath of the water.
They have accused both levels of government of failing to listen to their plea, which was to construct gabions along a 15 km stretch to prevent backflow from Lake Victoria. Speaking to the media, Norah Obonyo narrated that since the campaign period, the representatives distanced themselves from residents' pleas after being elected into office. She called out on them, led by their governor, Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, to take action, as the situation was getting out of hand.
“Tangu tupige kura ata wakubwa wetu hatujawai waona. Sijawai ona Anyang Nyong’o na macho yangu na maji inatuua huku. Sijawai ona Aduma nilimuona wakati alikuja kuomba kura na Ojiemo. Wako wapi na maji inatuua?”( Since we voted in our leaders,I have neither seen Anyang' Nyong'o, Aduma nor Ojiemo yet the floods are killing us.We only saw them during the campaign period when they came asking for votes.)
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Continuous rise of tides in Lake Victoria puts Nyakach at Ongoing risk,as uncertainities and traumas of displacement continue to kick in.
