Francis Atwoli: Today It Won't Rain, I've Sent Omboko Milemba To Talk To Elders

• Central Organisation of Trade Unions COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli told the audience to relax as it would not rain
• He said he had sent Emuhaya MP to consult the elders so that it would not rain as the event went on
• Atwoli was speaking during Labour Day Celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi county, which has been raging with floods

Central Organisation Trade Union (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli assured the audience that it would not rain.

Speaking during Labour Day Celebrations at Uhuru Gardens said that where he comes from ancestors can stop raining during events.

" I want to tell all of you who have assembled to listen to us that it will not rain. Where I come from, they can hold clouds and stop rain during ceremonies," Atwoli said.

Why did Atwoli send Milemba?

He said that he had tasked Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba who is also the chairman of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to do what it takes to "stop" the heavy rains.

Atwoli joked that Milemba's grandfathers had supernatural powers that could trigger or stop the rains during important ceremonies.

"I have sent Omboko Milemba to do that work back at home because his grandfathers are capable of stopping rain," Atwoli said.

What is the weather forecast in Kenya?

Atwoli's remarks come at a time when the country's capital has been experiencing heavy rains causing massive floods.

On Tuesday, April 30, the Kenya Meteorological Department Director David Gakunyu said the rains will be heavy on Thursday, May 2, and Friday, May 3 across the country.

The rains prompted Kenya Urban Roads Authority to close major roads in Nairobi including Thika Superhighway and the Eastern Bypass after flooding.

What more to know about floods in Kenya

• Death toll from Mai Mahiu floods stands at 71 according to Nakuru governor Susan Kihika
• Kitengela woman cries out for help after floods affected the area on Wednesday, May 1, following heavy rains overnight
• Mai Mahiu victims of the floods asked President William Ruto to pray for them
• The government has been asked to hold accountable those who failed to act on the ongoing flood havoc in the country

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.