Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has called out politicians for exploiting disasters as political opportunities, urging them to focus on genuine humanitarian support rather than reelection agendas.
Taking to social media on Sunday, Wamuchomba highlighted the recent Chesongoch mudslide in Elgeyo Marakwet and the flooding of Lake Naivasha in Kihooto, Nakuru County, as cases where victims’ needs should come before political ambitions.
“Let’s agree for once! Cameras at home; let’s help the Naivasha Kihooto and Elgeyo Marakwet disaster victims without two-term and one-term madness,” Wamuchomba wrote. “The victims don’t mind a blanket from whatever side.”
Her comments come in the wake of back-to-back disasters that have left communities in both regions vulnerable, and, unfortunately, exposed to leaders turning crises into photo opportunities.
In Nakuru County, the rising waters of Lake Naivasha have displaced thousands, submerging homes in Kihooto Estate. Vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly, were forced to flee to safety. Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika reported that at least 4,000 people had been stranded, with her administration successfully evacuating 2,000 so far. “We have brought in more tippers to assist in evacuating and transporting affected families to safer shelters,” she said.
Meanwhile, in Elgeyo Marakwet, two consecutive mudslides have left dozens dead, several hospitalized, and many displaced. As of Saturday, November 8, 37 people were confirmed dead, nine hospitalized, and 11 missing, indicating a potentially higher toll.
Wamuchomba’s appeal stresses the importance of separating politics from relief efforts, reminding leaders that the primary concern should be saving lives and providing assistance, not political visibility.
Her call is a timely reminder that disasters are humanitarian crises, not political battlegrounds, and that genuine help is measured by action, not cameras.
