Mike Sonko Pledges to Provide Coffins and Cover Burial Costs for Nairobi Flood Victims
The former county chief made the announcement on Tuesday while addressing the media at his office in Upper Hill, where he expressed sympathy for the families grieving after the devastating floods.
His remarks come as 27 bodies recovered from flood-affected areas remain in several mortuaries within the city as families prepare to claim them for burial.
According to Sonko, the initiative aims to ease the financial and emotional burden facing families who are already struggling with the sudden loss of their relatives.
“I want to stand with the families of the deceased. Sadly, they had to lose their loved ones in such a manner. Through the Sonko Rescue Team, we shall provide coffins and transport the bodies and family members to whichever part of the country they wish to bury their loved ones in,” Sonko said.
He added that members of the rescue team would be stationed at the Nairobi City Mortuary on Wednesday to assist in coordinating the logistical arrangements for the bereaved families.
During the event, Sonko also addressed one of the grieving families whose relative was among those who lost their lives during the floods.
The former governor specifically offered assistance to the mother of Jerome Mutua, one of the victims who died during the heavy rains.
“Sorry for your loss, mum. I will cater for the coffin expenses, transportation to the place where you will bury your son, and if there are any pending bills, we shall help settle them,” Sonko told the grieving parent.
Beyond the humanitarian assistance, the former governor also criticised political leaders whom he accused of turning the flooding crisis into a political issue instead of focusing on helping affected communities.
“When I was governor, we made it a habit to unclog drainage to ease flooding. Instead of leaders coming together to help, some are busy politicising the issue. That is wrong. Let us come together and do what is supposed to be done,” he said.
The flooding in Nairobi is part of a wider crisis affecting several regions of the country following days of heavy rainfall.
According to the National Police Service, the nationwide death toll linked to the recent downpours has risen to 49 people.
Police authorities say the heavy rains have also displaced thousands of families, with 2,624 households forced to leave their homes due to rising floodwaters.
Infrastructure damage has also been reported in several counties, with roads, homes, and businesses affected by the ongoing flooding.
In addition, the police revealed that at least 16 police stations across the country have been damaged by the floods, creating operational challenges for law enforcement agencies responding to the disaster.
Emergency response teams and humanitarian organisations continue to assist communities affected by the floods, while authorities have urged residents living in flood-prone areas to remain cautious and heed warnings issued by weather and disaster management agencies.
As families begin preparing for burial ceremonies for the victims, Sonko’s initiative is expected to provide some relief to those struggling to meet funeral expenses in the wake of the tragedy.
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Mike Sonko Pledges to Provide Coffins and Cover Burial Costs for Nairobi Flood Victims
