Sakaja Under Fire as Night Floods Paralyze Nairobi, Residents Demand Urgent Action
Chaos engulfed Nairobi on Friday night after heavy rains flooded major roads, leaving thousands stranded and sparking outrage across the city. The downpour, which coincided with rush hour, turned the capital into a watery nightmare, exposing deep cracks in the county’s preparedness.
“This Is Not a Capital City”—Residents Vent Frustration
From the Central Business District to Westlands, Parklands, and Upper Hill, floodwaters swallowed roads and disrupted businesses. Footage shared online showed Nairobi Expressway, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, and Jogoo Road submerged.

“We were stuck for hours. This is not a capital city,” lamented a commuter. “Sakaja has failed us again,” another added.
Motorists scrambled for alternative routes, causing gridlocks on Thika and Kiambu Roads. Traffic police struggled to manage the chaos.
“Poor Leadership Is to Blame”—Governor Sakaja Faces Backlash
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja bore the brunt of public anger. Many accused him of ignoring long-term solutions to the city’s flooding menace.
“Every rainy season, we suffer. Where is the leadership?” asked a frustrated resident. “We need action, not excuses,” another shouted.
Despite the uproar, Sakaja remained silent as the city battled the aftermath.
“Drainage Is Blocked”—County Official Blames Waste Dumping
Geoffrey Mosiria, Chief Officer for Environment, addressed the crisis in a video released Friday. He blamed blocked drainage systems and illegal construction.

“The rains have started, and Nairobi is flooding,” Mosiria said. “Residents dump waste into drains, causing blockages,” he added.
He also cited buildings erected over sewer lines as a major contributor to the flooding.
“Let’s Be Responsible”—Mosiria Calls for Civic Discipline
Mosiria urged Nairobians to take responsibility for their environment. He emphasized that flood prevention requires collective effort.
“Let us all be responsible citizens,” he pleaded. “Proper waste disposal and respect for infrastructure are key,” he added.
He assured residents that the county was working tirelessly to unclog drainage systems.
“We’re Collaborating with Agencies”—County Promises Relief
Mosiria revealed that Nairobi County was partnering with KURA and KeNHA to clear blocked drains on major roads.

“We’re working around the clock,” he said. “Our goal is to keep highways passable,” he added.
As normalcy slowly returns, residents remain skeptical, demanding lasting solutions—not temporary fixes.
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Sakaja Under Fire as Night Floods Paralyze Nairobi, Residents Demand Urgent Action

