Residents of Sokoke in Ganze Constituency, Kilifi County, are facing a potential cholera outbreak due to a shortage of clean drinking water.
The residents have been forced to rely on small dams, which are also used by livestock and wild animals, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
Daniel Shikari, a village elder, stated that they have been forced to take turns protecting the dam from contamination by livestock.
“We are forced to drink contaminated water and guard the dam from animals like elephants,” he said.
Shikari urged the government to expand the dam so that wild animals can access water from a separate section, reducing the risk of human-wildlife conflict. He warned that these wild animals could pose a danger to residents.
Zawadi Charo, another resident, called for urgent government intervention, highlighting the health complications affecting children due to the consumption of contaminated water.
“We want the National Government and the County Government to work together to ensure residents get clean water,” she said.
A similar situation is affecting residents of Forodhoyo and Mitsedzini in Kilifi County, who are also struggling with water shortages and contamination issues.
Local leaders and residents are now calling for immediate action to prevent a public health crisis.
