42 dead, among them 17 children after dam bursts in Mai Mahiu

42 people have been confirmed dead after heavy flash floods wiped out several homes in Kamuchiri Village in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County.

According to Naivasha OCPD Stephen Kirui, 17 children are among the dead.

There are fears that the death toll could rise significantly with dozens unaccounted for following the 4 am incident that caught many asleep.

The incident occurred after a seasonal dam burst its banks sweeping away people and homes.

As a result, sections of the Mai Mahiu-Suswa/Narok highway and the Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road have been closed.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and County officials are clearing the debris.

Teams from the Kenya Police, County Disaster team, Kenya Red Cross and community members are at the scene.

Motorists plying the affected routes have been advised to look for alternative routes after the rains rendered the road sections impassable.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) alert on Monday stated that traffic was at a standstill around Mai Mahiu centre after heavy rains in the catchment areas of Kinale and Kijabe led water courses to experience an upsurge which has led to the washing away of debris and several houses.

“The following road sections are now impassable:- Approximately 700m from Mai Mahiu towards Naivasha and Approximately 1km from Mai Mahiu towards Suswa/Narok. These areas are heavily affected, with road blockages reported. Currently, traffic is at a standstill around Mai Mahiu centre” warned KeNHA.

The Authority is mobilizing efforts to clear the road and assess damages.

“Motorists are advised to expect high traffic congestion around Mai Mahiu. Road users are expected to plan their routes accordingly and exercise caution when travelling through the affected areas. Further updates will be provided”, it added.

Several people have been taken to a health facility, the Kenya Red Cross said in a post on X. 

 

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