The body of a Form 3 student who was swept away by floods on Tuesday morning as she attempted to cross River Olekasasi in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County has been recovered.
According to the Kajiado North Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC), Joseph Mwika, the body was recovered in the evening after the water subsided.
He said the girl was with her sister when she attempted to cross the bridge but slid into the river and was swept away by the raging waters.
“The girl slid off the bridge and fell into the river when she tried to cross it in the morning. Efforts to rescue her were futile as the water levels were too high and moving fast,” said SCPC.
Mwika urged residents to exercise extra caution during the rainy season and avoid crossing flooded rivers.
However, according to the Ongata Rongai MCA, David Pere, the death could have been prevented if the County government could be providing oversight support by accessing the performance of various contractors undertaking development projects in the County.
“It is very sad, that again this year again we have lost a soul as a result of a poorly constructed bridge. County government should have officers on the ground to oversee such projects because the contractor decries that he has never been paid a shilling by the County that is why the repair works on the bridge stalled, we didn’t need to lose such a young soul for us to wake up. The Executive should ensure that the contractors are paid on time and avoid such occurrences,” Pere appealed.
Peter Mwangi a resident of the area has blamed the County government of laxity in addressing the challenge.
“We have raised this issue time and time again, in forums, public barazas but for almost one year nothing has been done to solve this issue of the bridge until today that it has caused death, it is high time that the County government intervenes and repairs this bridge as fast as possible before we lose another life,” he said.
So far six people have lost their lives in Kajiado County. Last week five members of the same family perished after the vehicle they were travelling in was swept away by floods as they attempted to cross River Bissil.
The road connecting Kajiado town to Loitokitok through Mashuuru has been cut off completely after Imaroro River burst its banks. Motorists were forced to spend the night in their vehicles over the weekend with others opting to turn back as the bridge had been completely cut off. One vehicle was swept away as the driver attempted to cross over.
By Rop Janet/ Albert Lemomo
