Muturi calls on Ruto to prioritise El Niño preparedness over politics

Muturi said the emerging weather threat required presidential leadership and a coordinated government response, arguing that the President should personally oversee preparations rather than remain focused on campaign activities and political rallies.

He said Kenya was particularly vulnerable to the effects of a high-impact weather event, citing crop failures, food insecurity and disruptions in the health sector as existing challenges that could be compounded by heavy rains and flooding.

According to Muturi, the Government should not wait for hospitals to become overwhelmed, crops to be destroyed or families displaced before taking action.

He urged President Ruto to immediately place the full machinery of Government on an emergency preparedness footing and convene relevant national and county authorities to establish a clear response structure.

Muturi also called for the identification of high-risk areas, mobilisation of emergency resources and readiness checks across government institutions responsible for disaster response.

“This must be an operational plan—not another press statement, political rally or promise,” Muturi said.

The DP leader argued that the President’s primary responsibility was to protect Kenyans and safeguard the country, saying political campaigns and electoral competition should take a back seat when the country faces a foreseeable threat.

Muturi's remarks come as concerns grow over the potential impact of heavy rains on infrastructure, agriculture, health services and livelihoods, particularly in areas already vulnerable to flooding and other climate-related disasters.

He challenged the administration to demonstrate preparedness before the onset of the rains, rather than resorting to reactive measures after disasters occur.

“The campaign can wait. Kenya cannot. The political season can wait. The safety of Kenyans cannot,” Muturi said.