Two missing as vehicle swept away by floods in Isiolo

Two people are missing after a vehicle they were travelling in was swept by floods in Isiolo on Friday evening.

The vehicle, owned by a local MCA, David Lemantile, was en route to Isiolo from Kipsing and had three occupants on board.

The three were Paul Gitonga, the driver, Rajuel Lemantile, 23, and Boniface Muriungi, 22.

Police Spokesperson Michale Muchiri confirmed the incident and said it happened at the flooded KMC Bridge when the three were crossing to the other side near a police station in Isiolo.

"Boniface managed to escape unhurt through the window. The other two are still missing, and a search is on currently," Muchiri said.

The scene has since been visited by authorities, and it has been established that the vehicle was carried nearly 2 kilometres downstream before being recovered in a badly damaged state.

Meanwhile, in Safi Estate, several residents trapped inside their homes due to flooding were successfully rescued and evacuated to safer grounds.

Officials are currently conducting a detailed assessment to establish the number of livestock lost and the extent of property damage caused by the flash floods.

Emergency response teams remain on high alert as heavy rains continue to pound the region.

The Kenya Meteorological Department predicted that showers and thunderstorms will continue for the remaining part of the weekend in the North-eastern region, including the counties of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo Counties.

Other regions to experience heavy rainfall include the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley.

In a notice, Kenya Met said the counties of Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia and West Pokot Counties would experience heavy rainfalls in several places, especially in the afternoon.