Kenya (MNN) — A rising death toll shows this monsoon season in Kenya has been anything but normal. Flash floods killed 66 Kenyans on Monday. This brings the overall flooding death toll to nearly 170 since March.
Two Kenyan hydroelectric dams are at “historic highs,” and around 185,000 people have been displaced.
Nehemiah with FMI says, “Opposition politicians and advocacy groups have leveled accusations against the government claiming it was ill-prepared and slow to respond even in the face of weather warnings.”
Kenyan President William Ruto is finally ordering residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate or they will be moved by force.
FMI is in touch with church partners in various regions of Kenya affected by flooding. Local pastors say the floods have forced schools to close, washed away crops, and eroded farm soil.
“The floods have extremely affected the church because many of the church members are misplaced. One boat yesterday carrying more than 40 people from Madogo to Garissa was swept away by the floods. We have yet to know how many survived and how many lost their lives,” says Pastor Jaali with FMI. “Please join us in prayers for the brothers and sisters there.”
FMI-supported Pastor Caleb in central Kenya says, “Yesterday, I visited some of the affected families [in my area] and prayed with them. If we had a way to help them, we could actually. Most of the affected families are feeling hopelessness, and that breaks my heart”
Bible distribution in Kenya. (Photo courtesy of FMI)
While the Church in Kenya grapples with flood devastation alongside their neighbors, they are still living out the Gospel. Pastor Jaali supports church ministry in northeastern Kenya where it’s majority Muslim.
Nehemiah shares these words from Pastor Jaali: “‘We cannot worship freely, we cannot conduct meetings. But despite these challenges, we are still determined to serve Christ among Muslims.'”
Nehemiah asks, “Please pray for the safety and protection of all individuals affected by the flood, that they may find refuge from harm and danger. Pray for those who lost their homes and belongings, that they may find comfort and support in their time of need.
“Lastly, I want to request, please join hands with FMI to help our indigenous leaders and church planters in this very difficult and challenging time of their lives.”
Learn more about FMI’s ministry in Kenya.
Header photo of flooding in Kenya. (Photo courtesy of FMI partner, Pastor Caleb)
