Wamuchomba questions Kiambu water shortages, challenges county leadership

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has renewed her criticism of persistent water shortages in parts of Kiambu, questioning why residents continue to struggle to access clean and reliable water despite the county’s proximity to major water sources.

Wamuchomba said residents of Githurai, Gitothua, Ruiru, Gatong’ora, Mwihoko and neighbouring areas have continued to endure long queues and early-morning searches for water, years after being promised improved supply.

She recalled that in 2021, the Wamatangi Foundation supplied water to residents through tankers at a time when the county government was unable to adequately meet demand.

According to the MP, residents were subsequently promised that the situation would change after the then Kiambu senator was elected governor, with households expected to receive a reliable supply of clean water.

“Four years now, where is the water?” Wamuchomba asked.

She claimed that the shortage has become so severe that even some county health facilities face difficulties accessing adequate water, forcing patients and residents to carry drinking water in flasks.

The MP also questioned why residents continue waking up as early as 4am to queue for water, saying the situation has placed an unnecessary burden on families.

Wamuchomba extended her criticism to Githunguri, saying residents there also face water challenges despite the area being close to major water infrastructure.

She pointed to Kariminu and Ruiru dams, arguing that Kiambu residents should benefit more directly from water resources passing through the county on their way to Nairobi.

Her remarks also touched on the stalled Ruiru Dam 2 project, which she linked to disagreements over county co-funding. She argued that the failure to expand water infrastructure has left communities exposed to recurring shortages.

The MP further warned that continued water scarcity could fuel growing resentment among Kiambu residents who feel that the county has not received a fair share of the benefits from its strategic location and water resources.

Turning her attention to Nairobi residents who depend on water supplied from Kiambu, Wamuchomba issued a pointed message, saying local communities should first have sufficient access to water before resources are channelled elsewhere.

“One day hiyo maji tutakata kwanza watu wetu wapate na watosheke,” she said, while calling for greater priority to be given to Kiambu residents.

Wamuchomba also criticised what she described as inadequate preparedness for heavy rains and flooding in parts of Kiambu, particularly Mwihoko and surrounding areas.

She questioned whether county authorities were doing enough to prepare communities for the effects of El Niño-related rains, including flooding and damage to homes.

The MP said her criticism should be understood within the broader demand for accountability over essential services, particularly water, which she described as a basic necessity for households, schools and health facilities.

She challenged residents to focus on the availability of services in their own neighbourhoods rather than political exchanges on social media.

“Wale wananitukana hapa wako na maji kwao, wewe ukonayo?” she posed.

Wamuchomba concluded her message by reiterating her call for Kiambu residents to prioritise the county’s interests and demand reliable access to basic services.

“Kiambu First!” she declared.