Muranga market floods leave traders counting losses

Heavy rain hit Murang'a County, causing major problems for local traders and farmers. The downpour started Friday night and flooded the Mukuyu open-air market. Traders discovered their goods ruined when they arrived on Sunday morning. The water filled the marketplace, destroying many cereals. Business owners blame people who built structures that blocked drainage systems.

Traders say manholes became clogged because some builders ignored construction rules. Peter Njuguna, a local merchant, called for the county government to clear sewers and remove buildings sitting on top of manholes. He demanded that officials take back waterways from people who grabbed them illegally. The damage will hurt traders financially for a long time. Chief Adams Kariuki helped residents clear blocked drains to remove standing water.

Farmers in Maragua also lost crops to flooding. One vegetable farmer expressed disappointment about losing produce she planned to sell soon. A landslide damaged a house in Kangema, forcing a family to move elsewhere. Officials warn more homes face similar risks. Roads between Kanyenyaini and Tuthu became impassable after landslides. Weather experts predict heavy rain will continue across the county for five more days.