Four passengers perished on Wednesday when the vehicle they were traveling in was swept by raging floods at Mutindi River in Matinyani, Kitui County.
Confirming the incident, Kitui County Police Commander Lydia Ligami said three bodies in the ill-fated vehicle have been retrieved while one is still trapped inside the vehicle.
Ligami said that police had a difficult time to access the scene saying the river was swollen.
According to the police, one survivor managed to swim to safety during the incident and was given first aid by a school guard at Kyaani Secondary.
“Multi-agency recovery efforts led by Kitui County Disaster Team are underway to retrieve the remaining body,” said Ligami.
On Wednesday, Kitui County Commissioner John Ondego had issued an early warning of possible flooding and displacement of people during the current rainy season.
Ondego said the weather forecast during the last one week showed that the county received 197mm of rainfall.
He called on the public to take precautions to avoid catastrophes that can be prevented.
“I appeal to the public not to cross swollen rivers. There is no need to endanger lives. Wait until the water flow subsides before crossing rivers and streams,” he urged wananchi.
However, Ondego said the county has not recorded any cases of fatalities occasioned by the floods in Kitui South.
The County Commissioner disclosed that the county has put in place contingency plans to mitigate the expected floods.
“We have set up a central command center to respond to disasters. It will be headed by the County Police Commander. The 24 hour desk has been unveiled at Kitui Red Cross office,” said Ondego.
By Yobesh Onwong’a
