The number of people killed in the Kwa Mswi River drowning incident has risen to nine.
The victims were riding in a truck loaded with earth and sand when they were swept away by floodwaters while trying to cross a swollen river in Sultan Hamud, Makueni County, on Friday, April 26.
Heavy rains caused the Mswii River, which originates in Kajiado County, to burst its banks, paralyzing traffic along the Kasikew-Sultan Hamud road.
A video seen by Nairobileo.co.ke shows a truck carrying more than 10 people being swept away by raging waters as it tried to cross a flooded river.
Residents gathered near the river and could be seen trying to rescue some of the victims who were swept away by the flood.
The Kenya Red Cross Society said in a statement that its staff were on the scene responding to the situation.
“A tragic incident occurred in Sultan Hamdo, Makueni County, where a truck carrying people was washed away by the raging sea. We are on the scene and actively responding to the situation,” the Kenya Red Cross said. .
By Friday evening, five bodies had been recovered from the river.
On Saturday, April 27, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Muriri confirmed that four more bodies had been recovered from the river.
A further 10 people, including two children, remain missing.
