In a poignant plea to the nation, President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to exercise caution in the face of relentless heavy rains sweeping across the country.

Speaking from State House in Nairobi on Friday, the President implored citizens to refrain from taking unnecessary risks, particularly when navigating flooded areas or waterlogged roads.

Ruto emphasized the importance of heeding safety alerts and interventions to safeguard lives, stating, “The public is called upon to respect and adhere to safety alerts and interventions and to desist from risking their lives or the lives of others by daring the force of nature.”

As the Kenya Meteorological Department issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall in Nairobi, the President underscored the government’s short-term response measures to address the ongoing flooding crisis. He highlighted the urgent need to address climate change as a fundamental cause of the recurring environmental challenges faced by the country.

Addressing the pressing need for environmental conservation, Ruto called for concerted efforts towards reforestation and wetland restoration. He urged the public to actively participate in the government’s ambitious tree-planting initiative aimed at growing 15 billion trees nationwide within the next decade.

Furthermore, President Ruto directed the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry to accelerate the implementation of the tree-planting program in collaboration with various stakeholders, emphasizing a unified government approach to combatting climate change.

In a show of solidarity, Ruto called upon Kenyans to support one another during this challenging period, highlighting the resilient spirit of unity and cooperation that defines the nation. With the death toll rising to 210 and numerous individuals affected by the adverse weather conditions, the President emphasized the importance of collective action in overcoming adversity and providing assistance to those in need.