Atwoli – Elderly men from western region have the power to stop the rain
Francis Atwoli, the Secretary-General (SG) of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Kenya, claims that the Western Region has the power to stop the ongoing rains.
According to Mr Atwoli, the current rains, which have caused significant damage in various parts of the country, resulting in loss of lives and extensive destruction of property, can be controlled by elderly men from his region who have the ability to “communicate and influence the heavens to hold back the water”.
Speaking at the 59th Labour Day celebrations in Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, Mr Atwoli claimed that he had sent Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba to communicate with the elders and request a pause in the rains.
Labour Day is celebrated annually on May 1 in Kenya, and President William Ruto graced the occasion in 2024.
The Head of State was accompanied by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore and other top government officials.
Amidst scepticism from attendees about the weather, Mr Atwoli assured them that the rain would cease to allow for a smooth conclusion to the event.
“You know that the Western Region is capable of stopping the rains and I have sent Omboko Milemba to consult his grandfathers. They have unique powers,” the outspoken SG said humorously.
Mr Milemba is also the national chairman of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).
Heavy rains continue to affect various parts of the country, causing widespread flooding.
The death toll from the floods has risen to over 170, with homes, roads and property swept away.
Some major roads, such as the Thika Super Highway, the largest expressway in Kenya, have become impassable due to flooding.
In a statement on Wednesday, May 1, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) announced the temporary closure of sections of the road in Nairobi and Kiambu counties.
These include Enterprise Road, Eastern Bypass and Thika Bypass, which have been badly affected by the rains.
Traffic has also been diverted to alternative routes due to heavy rains on Tuesday night, April 30.
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has warned of more heavy rainfall in the coming days, with Nairobi County being one of the worst affected areas.