Kirinyaga County Commissioner (CC), Shufaa Omar Mwijuma, has urged residents to remain vigilant against public health threats that may emerge with the anticipated El-Niño rains.

Speaking at Raimu Comprehensive School during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kirinyaga County, Mwijuma called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities in implementing measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

Mwijuma, however, directed those living in flood-prone areas, near rivers and on vulnerable hillsides, to relocate to safer, higher ground before heavy rains begin.

“The National and County governments are coordinating mitigation measures, including clearing drainage systems and strengthening health interventions, to minimize the impact of adverse weather conditions and prevent loss of lives.” Mwijuma said.

The Commissioner cautioned residents against ignoring early warnings, urging communities to work closely with local administrators and emergency response agencies throughout the rainy season.

On Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Mwijuma condemned increased reported cases in the County, stressing that violence within families and communities was unacceptable and punishable under Kenyan law.

She advised victims of abuse to speak-out and seek assistance through counselling services, law enforcement agencies and other available support systems.

“Everyone has the right to live safely and without abuse,” she said, calling on residents to promote peaceful co-existence and resolve family disputes without resorting to violence.

The County Commissioner at the same time addressed land-related disputes, including disagreements over ownership, boundaries and title deeds, saying the affected persons should work with relevant land authorities, to resolve the issues and safeguard residents’ property rights.

She urged residents to seek lawful channels in resolving land disputes, to prevent conflicts that could threaten family stability and community peace.

On the ongoing fight against illicit alcohol and substance abuse, Mwijuma said the government remained committed to intensifying the crackdown across all Sub-counties. She warned that illicit brews and drug abuse continued to destroy lives, destabilize families and undermine the social and economic development of the society. She express her commitment in the ongoing efforts to end the menace in the County.

“We have started and must win the war against illicit brew, I am the County Commissioner and I am confident we will win” Mwijuma assured.

The commissioner asked young people to shun substance abuse and instead focus on education, skills development, employment and other productive economic activities.

By Mutai Kipng’etich