Mama Rachel mourns 42 Mai Mahiu landslide victims

The Red Cross reports that 109 individuals have been rescued and transported to various hospitals in Naivasha.

First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto has expressed sorrow over the loss of at least 42 Kenyans in the Mai Mahiu landslide.

On Monday, the aftermath of heavy flash floods resulted in the loss of at least 40 lives in Kamuchiri Village, Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, following torrential rains.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Mama Rachel conveyed her condolences, affirming the government’s support for those affected.

“Our hearts are heavy with sorrow over the Kijabe Dam incident. To all those who have lost loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences and stand with you in this time of profound grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic event,” she said.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, 109 people have been rescued and taken to various hospitals within Naivasha.

“We continue to be actively engaged in search and rescue/retrieval efforts. Additionally, we have set up a tracing desk at Ngeya Girls Secondary School,” Red Cross said in the latest update.

Naivasha police commander Stephen Kirui confirmed that at least 40 bodies had been retrieved from the debris on Monday.

“We have 40 bodies so far collected and many more are covered by the mud. Many cars too are covered,” he said from the scene.

Officials at the mortuary reported that they had received 42 bodies.

Rescue teams noted that five vehicles were trapped in the mud but bodies had been recovered.

“We expect the numbers to go up as the search and rescue goes on,” an official on the ground said. Many other people are still missing after the incident on Sunday night.

“Several people have been taken to a health facility in Mai Mahiu due to flash floods affecting Kamuchiri Village.”

“The floodwaters are reported to have originated from a nearby river that broke its banks,” KRC said.

The incident blocked the major road from Nairobi to Mai Mahiu after heaps of rocks, mud, and logs were deposited there.

Many road users were stranded for hours as rescuers responded to the scene. Police urged motorists to avoid the route.

Heavy rains are being experienced in many parts of the country amid calls for caution.

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

The floodwaters originated from a nearby river that broke its banks on Sunday night, according to the Kenya Red Cross.