Seven people feared dead after being swept by raging waters of River Muuoni

Makueni

Friday November 24, 2023

KNA by Patrick Nyakundi

Seven people died last night in Makueni after they were swept by the raging waters of flooded river Muuoni in Nzaui Sub County as they tried crossing the river.

The 9.30pm incident occurred as they were crossing from Kavuthu to Mutyambua village after they refused to heed warnings from other villagers who discouraged them from passing through the flooded river.

“They were six women and a man who had gone for a meeting at Kasarani in Nairobi and are from Mutyambua village, they refused to heed the pleas from people against crossing the flooded river,” said an eye witness at the scene Nathan Nzioka while speaking to KNA on the telephone on Friday morning.

Speaking to KNA on Friday, Makueni County Red Cross coordinator Evans Peter confirmed that the victims were 7 while adding that they have rushed to the scene to start retrieving the bodies of the victims.

When contacted for comment, Nzaui Deputy County Commissioner Timothy Tirop said that he was headed to the scene and will give feedback later.

Following this incident, the Acting Makueni County Commissioner Moses Gicharu, cancelled a Disaster Committee meeting that was scheduled for today.

 “As you are aware, we had planned to have a review meeting today. However, considering the gravity of the reported incident, I suggest we postpone the meeting to preferably Monday to enable rescue teams handle the tragedy,” said Gicharu.

Yesterday’s incident raises the death toll from flooding incidents in the county to 15.

Courtesy; KNA