This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
Heavy rainfall has been pounding Kenya, resulting in loss of life and widespread destruction. The situation was particularly dire on Monday, with emergency food, water, and medical supplies being rushed to affected areas.
According to reports, four people lost their lives in Nyanza, with three of the fatalities occurring in Homa Bay. The victims included two children, aged 13 and 14, and a 34-year-old man who drowned in River Kuja in Ndhiwa Sub-County.
Additionally, a student who had recently sat for his KCSE examination at St Alloys Mahenya Secondary School in Kisumu was swept away by the waters of River Obusu.
County Commissioner Harman Shambi stated that 389 people have been displaced by floods in the region.
Meanwhile, Kisumu County Director of Special Programmes Ruth Odinga reported that 2,526 people were relocated to evacuation centers in Ogenya, Nyamasao, and Achuodho in Nyando and Muhoroni sub-counties.
Elsewhere, the overflow of dams has caused significant damage. In Rachuonyo North, water from River Miriu has destroyed crops and houses in Wang Chieng, with the river bursting its banks two weeks ago and the water reaching Kobala and Kobuya.
Additionally, Edge Wood Hotel in Murang'a County was flooded with water from Chania Maki dam. County Meteorological Department director Paul Murage advised locals to remain vigilant, stating, "The water is being released but locals should stay alert."
He also warned families in Ithanga to relocate as Rivers Chania and Thika were filling rapidly, especially after receiving the overflow of Sasumwa dam.
At least 34 people have been evacuated following floods that marooned their houses in Bomet County.
The county disaster management team relocated six families from Raiya village after River Nyangores burst its banks.
Mr Stanley Mutai, a member of the disaster management team, explained, "The area experienced a lot of rain on Sunday night."
Residents of Matigari village in Laikipia appealed for help to retrieve the body of a 28-year-old man who drowned in River Pesi. Stanley Kiago died on Saturday evening as he tried to cross the river.
The Russian Government announced a $1 million (Sh100 million) donation to the World Food Programme to assist Kenya.
Russian ambassador to Kenya Dmitry Maksimychev stated, "This is an expression of solidarity of Russians with the people of Kenya."
