What caused the deadly Mai Mahiu landslide revealed

New information has emerged regarding the cause of the fatal flooding in Mai Mahiu early Monday morning. Officials revealed that a railway drainage was blocked, causing water to accumulate before the wall burst.

“In the current unusual rains, the ‘Dark Tunnel’ – the railway line drainage at Old Kijabe- blocked leading to disastrous accumulation of water that broke the wall causing floods earlier today (Monday),” said Chege Macharia, the executive director of Kijabe Hospital.

The hospital is located near where the drainage was blocked and water accumulated.

Water Resources Management Authority (Warma) also clarified that the water came from a water-filled gulley in Kiambu County, flowing down to Naivasha Sub-County, rather than from a dam.

The floodwaters originated from a gulley near a railway line that was blocked, forming a temporary water catchment over time.

With heavy rains, the gulley burst, causing the collected water to flow to lower-lying areas, resulting in loss of life and extensive damage.

These revelations addressed earlier concerns about the water source that inundated nearly 100 homes, claiming 50 lives. Dozens remain missing after the incident in Kianduma village.

Over 100 people are hospitalized, and the search and rescue operation continues amid persistent heavy rains.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led government officials to the scene to offer condolences to those affected.

“The damage is deep and devastating. It has also triggered a massive humanitarian crisis akin to what has been witnessed in other parts of our Nation as the enhanced rains leave trails of death, destruction, and displacements. Nature’s fury is immeasurable,” he said.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen dispatched National Youth Service (NYS) personnel to aid in the search and rescue efforts at the Maai Mahiu tragedy site.

As the mission entered its second day on Tuesday, the Cabinet convened to discuss this and other reported incidents in the country.

Murkomen also disclosed that 300 people have died due to flooding since the onset of the long rains in the country.

Motorists traveling the Mai Mahiu-Suswa/Narok highway were advised Monday night to seek alternative routes due to debris blocking the roads following heavy downpours on Sunday night.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued an alert, warning motorists of heavy traffic along these roads as they are currently impassable.

KeNHA stated that heavy rains in the Kinale and Kijabe catchment areas caused water courses to surge, resulting in the washing away of debris and several houses.

“The Kenya National Highways Authority would like to notify the public of the closure of Mai Mahiu – Narok Road,” read a statement on Monday evening.

“This follows sudden siltation, coupled with heavy debris deposited on a section stretching over a kilometre this evening at Suswa area, about 27 kilometres from Mai Mahiu town towards Narok.”

The closure aims to facilitate the smooth clearance of siltation and prevent incidents such as vehicles getting stuck.

“The Authority advises motorists using this route to consider alternative routes, including the main Nairobi – Nakuru Highway.”

This route is vital for connecting many from South Nyanza to Nairobi.