This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
Published on December 3, 2019, a dramatic rescue operation unfolded in Athi River, where a man named Vincent Musila had been stranded for four days.
Heavy rains had caused the water levels in River Athi to rise, making it difficult for Musila to wade through the waters. The situation became increasingly dire, with the risk of him being swept away at any moment.
Kenya Police Airwing Commandant Rodgers Mbithi revealed that they received a distress call about a man marooned on an island in the river. Mbithi praised the efforts of the police and the Airwing department, saying, "Many thanks to our police and the Airwing department for heeding my call and coming to the rescue one Vincent Musila who had been stuck for four days in the middle of Athi River."
As the rescue mission progressed, onlookers commended the police's efforts, with videos on social media capturing the scene. The helicopter carefully navigated the treacherous waters to reach Musila, who was then whisked away to safety.
Earlier in the day, the Kenya Red Cross issued an update on the ongoing rescue operations, reporting that eight people had been marooned along Athi River following heavy rainfall. A 35-year-old man who had been swept away while attempting to cross Kaiti River in Makueni was also rescued by the Kenya Red Cross.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), at least 120 people have died following heavy rains in the country since October. The victims include 72 who lost their lives in the West Pokot County landslide.
