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Three drown as heavy rains continue with death toll rising to 50

Police urge Kenyans to exercise caution when crossing rivers to avoid similar situations

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by CYRUS OMBATI

News14 November 2023 - 05:27
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In Summary


  • The Kenya Red Cross has already asked those in flood-prone areas in Western, South Rift and the Lake Basin regions, to be alert and move to higher zones.
  • Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Idris Ahmed said the rains, depending on the area, have different effects at different times.
A Garissa county government vehicle submerged in flood waters in Masalani,Ijara sub county on Saturday.

At least three people were killed in separate incidents of drowning following heavy rains reported in the country.

This raised the deaths out of rains being experienced to 50 in the country so far, officials said.

Police said the incidents were reported in Migori, Naivasha and Eldoret as they urged for caution to avoid similar situations.

Officials have warned most rivers are swollen and should not be underestimated by those venturing there for any activities.

The first incident happened in Kajulu village in Migori where the body of a woman was found in the Oyaani stream.

Police said the woman was identified as Hellen Kwamboka aged 40 years old.

In Naivasha, the body of a man was found floating in Lake Naivasha near the Crescent Island area.

Police officers proceeded to the scene and with the help of coast guard services, they managed to retrieve the body of an unknown man with no visible injuries.

According to police, in Eldoret, Moiben area, the body of a six-year-old child was retrieved from a river after a drowning incident.

The bodies were moved to the mortuaries pending autopsy and further probe.

On Monday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said at least 46 people had been reported dead in separate incidents related to the ongoing El Nino rains.

Many others have been displaced in the incidents and are camping at various places seeking help, Kindiki revealed.

Kindiki said the victims drowned and urged Kenyans to heed the advice of the government and move to safer areas as the rains persist.

“I want to appeal to Kenyans not to take chances when it comes to flood waters. We have already lost 46 people through the floods. Take great caution.’”

“When our officers tell you to evacuate from flood areas, please comply, and if you don’t, we will force you so that we can save lives,” Kindiki said. He spoke at Garissa University where he presided over the tree planting session in the Northeastern region.

Some 14 people were killed by flash floods in Northern Kenya, while another two deaths were recorded in Nairobi where two boys drowned in two separate incidents.

The Kenya Red Cross has already asked those in flood-prone areas in Western, South Rift and the Lake Basin regions, to be alert and move to higher zones.

Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Idris Ahmed said the rains, depending on the area, have different effects at different times.

"If you look at the weather forecast in the next two weeks, we shall have more concern in Western Kenya, lake basin, South Rift region," he said.

The official said counties in the northern region including Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Marsabit, Samburu, and Isiolo were among the worst hit.

The weathermen have warned the rains will continue for the next months and urged caution.

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