Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has criticised the administration of city boss Johnson Sakaja, accusing him of failing to honour a promise to waive mortuary fees for victims who died during the recent floods in the capital.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Sonko expressed anger over what he described as “politics being played with the lives of Kenyans,” claiming that families who lost loved ones in the floods were shocked to discover that mortuary charges at Nairobi Funeral Home had not been waived despite earlier assurances.
“It is very unfortunate that some leaders are playing politics with the lives of Kenyans,” Sonko wrote. “Promising to waive mortuary bills for victims of the recent floods only for families to arrive at Nairobi Funeral Home and find it was mere PR is wrong and unacceptable.”
The devastating floods that recently swept through parts of Nairobi left a trail of destruction, sweeping away homes, vehicles and claiming dozens of lives. Rescue teams have been working around the clock to recover bodies from rivers and flooded neighbourhoods across the city.
According to Sonko, at least 26 people who died in the disaster are currently awaiting burial, with their families struggling to settle mortuary and funeral expenses.
The former governor said he would step in to help the grieving families secure a dignified send-off for their loved ones.
“We will not engage in blame games, but we will stand with these families,” he said. “We shall provide coffins for all the 26 deceased, facilitate transport from Nairobi to their final resting places, and clear the mortuary fees so that they can receive a dignified send-off.”
Sonko added that leaders should prioritise compassion and support for citizens during moments of tragedy rather than turning such situations into political messaging.
“No leader should play politics with the lives of Kenyans,” he said, while offering prayers for the victims and their families.
“May the Almighty God rest the deceased souls in eternal peace and stand with all the bereaved families during this difficult period.”