Kalonzo asks Kenyans to stay alert as heavy rains intensify
By Faith Lagat, March 19, 2026Former vice president and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Kenyans to take precautions following a heavy rainfall alert issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
In a message posted on X on Thursday, March 19, Kalonzo asked the public to remain vigilant as rainfall intensifies in several parts of the country from March 19 to March 24, with the heaviest downpours expected between March 20 and 23.
“I strongly urge every Kenyan to take this warning seriously. Please, stay away from rivers, valleys, and known flood-prone areas, avoid crossing flooded roads or low-lying bridges, keep your family informed and have a plan in place, monitor updates from official weather channels,” he said.
Weather warning
According to the advisory, rainfall of more than 20mm in 24 hours is expected in some areas, raising the risk of flooding, flash floods, landslides, poor visibility and lightning strikes.
The affected regions include the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley including Nairobi, and parts of the Coast, Eastern and Northeastern Kenya.
Counties expected to be affected include Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kisumu, Bungoma, Migori and Narok, among others. Authorities have warned that flooding may also occur in downstream areas even where heavy rain is not directly falling.
Safety measures
Kalonzo called on residents to avoid rivers, valleys and flood-prone areas during the rainy period.
He also urged the public not to cross flooded roads or low-lying bridges and encouraged families to stay updated through official weather communication channels.
“Your safety is paramount. Let us look out for one another, especially our elderly, children, and neighbours in vulnerable areas,” he said.
Kalonzo further appealed to Kenyans to check on elderly people, children and neighbours who may be more exposed to the effects of flooding and related dangers.
Met forecasts heavier rainfall across counties
The latest warning comes after deadly floods reported in different parts of the country earlier this month, which left families displaced and damaged homes, roads and other infrastructure.
The National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) has since raised concern over flood risk within Nairobi and its environs, identifying 37 flood-prone areas across the city. In a statement posted on its official X account on Thursday, March 19, 2026, the centre said the mapped hotspots are mainly located along major river corridors, including the Nairobi, Ngong and Mathare rivers.
“Flood Alert | Nairobi County. A recent mapping has identified 37 flood-prone areas across Nairobi, mainly along major river corridors including the Nairobi, Ngong, and Mathare rivers,” NDOC announced.
It added that with the ongoing heavy rainfall, rivers may overflow and urban areas could also be affected, urging residents in low-lying and riparian zones to remain alert as multi-agency teams stay on standby.