Over 80 floods victims from Karung’a area in Mwingi central, Kitui County who were left homeless after their houses were swept away by flooded River Katiliku on November 7, 2023 are appealing for help.

The victims are appealing to the government, well wishers and other non-governmental organizations to help them with food and other basic needs.

Most of the victims have revealed that they are unable to pay monthly rent at Karung’a market where they moved and rented houses.

Dorcas Kivivya, one of the victims, said that as the world celebrated the end of year holidays, they slept  on empty stomachs.

“Most of us solely depended on farming, but we were left depending on well wishers for food after our crops were swept by flooded River Katiliku on that fateful night,” she said. 

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Kivivya, a mother of eight said she’s unable to pay her house rent, adding that she rented five rooms that would accommodate all her family members.

“Ever since we moved here, I’ve never gotten money to pay even a single month, the landlord is on my case but I have nothing left after I lost everything,” she added. 

Jackson Misyili, another victim who is a father of seven said they solely depended on farming and after their crops were swept away, they are living on the mercies of well wishers.

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Misyili said the reason he has not gone back to his ancestral land is because River Katiliku changed its course, passing through his home.

He is afraid of returning home, fearing that his family may be displaced again during the next rain season.

The victims are now pleading for food and tents to enable them to camp elsewhere so as to stop paying rent.

Story by Linah Musangi, TV47’s Kitui-based correspondent