More than 30 people lost their lives in the recent Nairobi floods, and the issue has sparked strong debate on the show Political Ringside, where boda boda chairman Ken Onyango openly criticized Nairobi’s leadership over what he described as a failure to properly prepare the city for predictable rainy seasons.
The heavy rains that hit Nairobi caused severe flooding across several parts of the capital, leaving behind destruction and grief for many families. Homes were damaged or completely washed away, businesses were forced to close, and many roads became impossible to use.
In several low-lying areas, the water rose rapidly, sweeping through residential sections and leaving people stranded without shelter or access to basic services.
Speaking during the discussion on Political Ringside, Onyango said the floods exposed long-standing weaknesses in the way the city is planned and managed. He argued that Johnson Sakaja and Edwin Sifuna should take responsibility for the situation.
According to him, the leaders have a case to answer because flooding in the city is not a new problem. Residents have faced similar situations during past rainy seasons, yet little lasting change seems to happen.
Onyango explained that many neighbourhoods in the city are built in areas that naturally collect water, including places near rivers or in valleys. When heavy rains arrive, these areas quickly flood.
He also pointed to blocked drainage systems as a major contributor to the problem. In many places, drainage channels are filled with garbage, soil, or structures built too close to waterways. When the water cannot flow properly, it spreads into homes and streets.
For boda boda riders, the floods also bring a serious economic problem. Motorcycles cannot move through flooded roads safely, meaning riders lose their daily income.
Onyango noted that many families depend on this work, and when flooding stops transport services, it directly affects their ability to buy food or pay bills.
His remarks reflect wider frustration among residents who feel that promises are often made but not fully implemented.
According to Onyango, leaders frequently talk about improving drainage systems or enforcing building regulations, especially after disasters occur, but the same challenges return whenever heavy rains hit the city.
The floods have also renewed concern about the rapid growth of Nairobi. As the city expands, more people are settling in areas that lack proper planning and infrastructure.
Without adequate drainage systems, waste management, and road networks, heavy rainfall easily turns into flooding.
In some neighbourhoods, residents had to walk through deep water just to reach safer ground or find food. Schools were disrupted, and there were growing concerns about health risks caused by dirty floodwater. For families already struggling financially, the loss of property or business income makes recovery even more difficult.
Discussions like the one on Political Ringside show how strongly people feel about the need for better preparation before disasters occur.
Onyango emphasized that regular clearing of drainage channels, proper waste disposal, and stricter control of construction near waterways could reduce the damage caused by floods.
Many residents now hope that the tragedy will push authorities to act more decisively. For them, preventing future floods is not only about infrastructure but also about accountability and consistent planning to protect lives and livelihoods in the city.
