By Benjamin Muriuki
Residents of Shauri Yako slum in Meru town have voiced their frustration over the worsening sanitation conditions in the area that poses a health hazard to their life.
They are now calling on the county leadership to take immediate action by rectifying the situation.
Speaking to the media, the slum’s chairman, Peter Mwithimbu, described the situation as dire.
“We have no water and no proper toilets. The few toilets that were constructed over ten years ago are now full and overflowing. This is making the environment extremely unsafe for residents. We are pleading with the new Governor, Mutuma M’Ithingia, to intervene and help us before the situation gets out of hand,” said Mwithimbu.
Another resident, Kennedy Mwenda Munyi, echoed similar concerns.
He said, “We have no functioning toilets at all. The ones that exist are completely blocked with human waste. The situation is not just bad, it’s alarming.”
Dennis Kiogora, a longtime resident, expressed disappointment over the prolonged neglect by local leaders.
“Since the time of Governor Peter Munya, we have been forgotten. No one has shown any real effort to improve our living conditions. It’s like we don’t exist,” he said.
The residents are urging the county government to prioritize sanitation in Shauri Yako slum, warning that continued inaction could lead to serious health and environmental consequences.
