Govt Says 238 Killed, 75 Still Missing As Heavy Floods Continue Causing Destructions

• Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said ongoing floods have left 47,000 households displaced.
• Mwaura said in the last 24 hours, more bodies have been retrieved, bringing the total number of deaths to 238
• Mwaura said over 600,000 learners have no schools to go back to since many institutions are either hosting IDPs or destroyed.

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Kisumu - Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has said the ongoing heaving rains continue to cause massive destruction countrywide.

How many households have been displaced by floods

In a daily update on Tuesday, May 7, Mwaura said the number of people killed by flooding and other impacts of the heavy rains has risen to 238 after 10 more bodies were recovered from Sunday, May 5.

Mwaura, who led the distribution of food and non-food goods around Nyanza, said 75 people are still missing after being swept by floods in various parts of the country.

He disclosed that 47,000 households have been displaced by the floods nationwide, with Nairobi county leading with 164,000 people reportedly affected.

More than 600k learners affected by floods

He said the ongoing rains have led to massive destruction of property and infrastructure and deaths of livestock, further leaving many people counting losses across the country.

“Villages have been marooned in Baringo and Nakuru, and the railway line was also disrupted by a landslide...7,000 acres were destroyed and 4,000 cattle swept.

Masinga Dam is spilling...River Nyando has overflowed, disrupting transport and the road in Murang'a is blocked by a landslide," Mwaura said.

He added that close to 600,000 learners have no schools to go back to since many institutions are either hosting IDPs or destroyed with toilets sunk and roofs blown off.

How two children died in Mukuru

In other news, three people were allegedly killed in Mukuru and Mathare by bulldozers, precipitating chaos on Monday, May 6.

In Mukuru Kwa Reuben, angry residents chased away government officials who were demolishing houses in riparian areas of the slums.

TV 47 reported that the chaos and running battle erupted after two children were killed as bulldozers demolished the houses built in riparian areas that are prone to floods.

The demolition was suspended after police officers stepped in and restored order.

What else you need to know about floods in Kenya

• Kenya Airways advised Kenyans travelling to arrive four hours earlier before their departure time due to heavy rains.
• KeNHA announced the closure of the Eldoret-Nakuru Highway after floods destroyed the road.
• In the quest to boost the Kenya Red Cross in rescuing Kenyans affected by floods, President William Ruto ordered the Military to provide their humanitarian service.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.