Nine killed as a 14-seater matatu is swept by floods in Gatundu, Kiambu County

By Emily Kenik

Nine people died Sunday morning when a matatu they were travelling in was swept away by raging flood waters in Nyakibai, Gatundu North, Kiambu County.

The nine, who are believed to be from the same family, drowned while seven survivors were taken to the local health centre, treated and discharged.

According Traffic commandant Jecinta Kinyua the victims were from a dowry ceremony in Nyahururu and were headed for Kandara in Murang’a County when the accident happened.

She says the accident happened at about 1 a.m. Among the survivors was a ten-year-old boy.

Elsewhere, over hundred families in Nyatike, Migori County have been rendered homeless after their houses were swept away by raging floods last night.

According to Red Cross, a total of 243 persons have been displaced from their homes and are camping at Nyora primary school which is one of the rescue centers set up by the County government.

Peter onyango, a resident of Nyora said flooding began at on Saturday night, destroying crops, and sweeping away animals among other valuable items.

Meanwhile, Migori county Deputy Speaker, who is also the area ward representative Boaz Okoth has blamed the govermnt for laxity to complete the dykes they were constructing along river Kuja which has burst its banks causing the floods.

Okoth urged both national and County government to move swiftly and assist the affected adding that a long term solution to the problem should be sought. He appealed to the national and county governments to avail funds set aside to assist the flood victims.