The death toll from Friday’s tragic drowning incident along the Kwa Muswii River, which intersects the Kasikeu-Sultan Hamud road in Makueni County, has tragically climbed to nine as of Saturday. The somber update follows the recovery of additional bodies by local residents.
Addressing the media at Sultan Hamud Subcounty Hospital, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili disclosed that rescuers managed to save 14 individuals while retrieving eight bodies. Subsequently, another victim was found in the same vicinity, with approximately 10 people still unaccounted for.
Mulili emphasized that the Red Cross and Makueni County disaster management teams had expanded rescue efforts to encompass other rivers flowing into Kwa Muswii, intensifying the search for the missing individuals. She urged downstream communities to promptly report any sightings of bodies drifting in the rivers.
Officials disclosed that the victims were part of a group who had attempted to cross the swollen Kwa Muswii aboard a truck destined for Kasikeu Township, laden with construction materials. Witnesses recounted a lengthy wait for the water level to subside, which led to impatience among the group. Allegedly, the driver encouraged passengers to board the vehicle to increase its weight for better maneuverability through the turbulent waters.
The Kenya Red Cross, alongside other responders, confirmed the successful rescue of 14 individuals who had been aboard the ill-fated lorry. The incident occurred Friday afternoon, prompting immediate response efforts from the Red Cross.
This calamity unfolded amidst a broader context of adverse weather conditions across Kenya, with the government reporting 70 casualties and thousands displaced due to heavy rainfall. This figure has since risen to over 80 as additional fatalities were reported in various regions on Friday.
In response to the crisis, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced governmental interventions, including a financial allocation of Sh4 billion for immediate relief efforts. He underscored the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing rains, urging citizens to prioritize safety and exercise caution, particularly when faced with hazardous conditions such as swollen rivers.
Gachagua also called upon residents in landslide-prone areas and near the Kiambere Water Dam to relocate to safer locations. Furthermore, he outlined various initiatives, including the resettlement of displaced families, infrastructure repairs, and enhanced emergency response coordination.
During a meeting to assess emergency response strategies at his official residence in Karen, Gachagua urged county governments to align their budgets accordingly to address the challenges posed by the relentless rainfall.
