By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
Kenya, 18 May 2026 - Farmers may finally get relief after nominated Member of Parliament Umulkheir Harun filed a lawsuit at Garissa High Court over constant floods that have repeatedly swept away crops and devastated livelihoods.
The MP has listed the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, the Principal Secretary for Energy, the Kenya Electricity Generating Company, the Water Resources Authority and the Attorney General as respondents.
“Year in, year out, farmers and entire communities have suffered immense losses of money, property, livestock and livelihoods due to the constant release of excess water from the overflow of Masinga Dam,” said the youth nominated MP.
The lawmaker said she went to court to defend and fight for the rights of people in Garissa after floods from dams upstream caused untold suffering, including loss of lives.
What is even more painful, the MP said, is that the responsible ministry often gives only three to four days’ notice for people to move to higher ground, which is impossible.
“How do you expect a farmer to harvest produce within 72 hours? How do you expect families to move their entire homes, businesses and belongings in such a short period of time?” she asked.
Umulkheir, who is vying for Garissa Woman Representative, said poor planning by the ministry should not and cannot be an inconvenience to hardworking Kenyans along Garissa and Tana River counties.
She said she has raised this matter in Parliament several times and has now decided to seek remedy and compensation for the affected families and a permanent solution to end this suffering.
“I therefore request anyone who wishes to be enjoined in this case to contact my office or the legal team,” she added, sharing her contacts on social media platforms.
She added that affected residents can contact her through Email: umulkheirharun@gmail.com and Office Contact: 0722391493 (available both for calls and WhatsApp).
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Anytime there is rain upstream, the dams are overfilled, forcing the authorities to release water downstream into the Tana River that eventually drains into the Indian Ocean.
However, this has caused devastation to people living along the river, with hundreds displaced and others losing their livelihoods.
In 2024, at least seven people died while crossing the flooded road at Kona Punda with a boat.
The MP, who has been vocal on finding a permanent solution to the constant flooding, noted that it is time for the relevant government agencies responsible to be held to account.
She said she has spent the last two years on the ground gathering facts, including data on those affected as well as the impacts of the floods on people in Garissa and Tana River counties.
The High Court has ordered that the application be served upon all respondents.
The matter is coming up for mention on 21 May 2026 for further directions.