First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto has expressed sympathy to Joyful Women Organization members who were swept away while crossing the flooded Muuoni River in Emali, Makueni County.
Mama Rachel said she was deeply saddened to learn of the unfortunate incident saying her thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased.
"I'm deeply saddened to learn of the unfortunate incident that has happened to some of our Joyful Women Organization members from Makueni County."
"I have been informed that the members traveling back from the Joyful Women 14th Anniversary celebrations, were swept away while trying to cross River Muooni on foot. On my behalf and that of Joyful Women Organization, I sincerely express my utmost sympathies to the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends at this difficult time," she added.
Eight people were swept away Thursday night after they attempted to cross the flooded river.
Three bodies have so far been retrieved by the authorities.
Kavuthu Chief Norman Musyoki and police said that the eight who were crossing from Kavuthu to Mutyambua when the tragedy happened.
"They were crossing from Kavuthu to Mutyambua. They alighted from the bus after the bus driver got cold feet and decided not to cross the swollen river. Some of the passengers took shelter at the Kavuthu shopping centre to wait for the waters to subside but the seven victims decided to cross the river," Musyoki said.
The victims were part of a larger group returning home after a meeting with First Lady Rachel Ruto in Kasarani, Nairobi.
According to the Chief, they are still establishing the exact number of people who were swept away.