Deputy President Kithure Kindiki stood firm in heavy rain as he addressed residents of Mahi Mahiu in Naivasha, Nakuru County, declining an umbrella and insisting that leaders must share in the experiences of the people they serve. As aides attempted to shield him from the downpour, the DP waved them off and continued speaking directly to the soaked crowd.
“Leave the umbrella. If residents are being rained on, leaders should also be rained on. This rain is a blessing and cannot harm us,” Kindiki said, drawing cheers from sections of the audience who had braved the wet weather to attend the event.
The Deputy President was in the area to follow up on government support for families affected by the deadly floods that struck Mahi Mahiu on April 29, 2024. The tragedy claimed lives and destroyed homes, leaving dozens displaced. Kindiki said the government stands in solidarity with the victims and has taken steps to ensure their safe resettlement.
He announced that 105 families whose homes were swept away, along with 56 families who lost rented houses, have now been allocated land away from the flood-prone zone. Each household has also received financial support to help purchase basic construction materials and speed up rebuilding efforts.
According to the DP, the new settlement includes space for essential public facilities such as a school and a health centre to serve the community. On behalf of President William Ruto, Kindiki oversaw the issuance of title deeds and relocation grants to the affected families.
He was joined by Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Principal Secretary Nixon Korir and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, among other county leaders.
Later, the Deputy President presided over a resource mobilisation drive that provided working capital to 39 small trader groups in Mahi Mahiu and 18 groups from the Longonot area, aimed at strengthening local businesses and supporting economic recovery.
