Floods claim two more lives in Makueni county

Two individuals tragically lost their lives as their vehicle was swept away by the overflowing River Ivoesyo in Nzaui sub-county, Makueni county, on Saturday night.

This devastating incident comes as the second occurrence of flood-related fatalities in the county within a span of less than a week.

The victims have been identified as Joseph Mbalya, a respected pastor at AIC Maumba church, and an unidentified companion. While the body of Mr. Mbalya was recovered from the river on Sunday morning, the search for the missing individual is still ongoing.

According to eyewitnesses, Pastor Mbalya was driving a Nissan Xtrail from Wote town to his residence when he attempted to cross the treacherous River Ivoesyo at Upendo shopping centre, near the Ukia Junction-Emali road.

Unfortunately, the raging waters overwhelmed the car, forcefully dragging it downstream.

“I was awoken by the screams of my neighbors who witnessed the vehicle being swept away by the river. The pastor was returning from Wote town before the tragedy struck just past Upendo shopping centre,” shared John Mwanthi, a resident whose home is adjacent to the river, with The Standard.

The area chief, David Mutuku, confirmed the incident and notified the police. He also urged motorists to refrain from crossing flooded rivers and advised them to utilize alternative routes.

As of now, the car remains stuck in the river, and local residents have joined the rescue efforts in the search for the missing individual.

This devastating incident occurred a mere 72 hours after eight other individuals lost their lives due to the flooded River Muuoni in Mbitini ward.

While three bodies have been recovered, the search for the remaining five victims is still ongoing.