Mai Mahiu: 42 Confirmed Dead As More Bodies Are Discovered After Kijabe Dam Tragedy

• On Monday, April 29, Nakuru County Police Commander Samue Ndanyi confirmed that the death toll in the Mai Mahiu flooding incident had increased
• Ndanyi disclosed that 45 bodies had been discovered, with the search for missing people still ongoing
• The dam at Old Kijabe burst, sweeping away homes and vehicles along the busy Nairobi-Naivasha Highway

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

Mai Mahiu - Pain and grief have engulfed the Kijabe area after more bodies were discovered following heavy floods in Kamuchiri Village Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County.

The number of fatalities in Mai Mahiu to increase

On Monday, April 29, Nakuru County Police Commander Samue Ndanyi confirmed that the death toll had hit 42 after the walls of the dam collapsed and swept homes away.

Ndanyi said the search and rescue operations were underway and that several others have been rushed to hospital.

Citizen TV reported that more people could be trapped in the mud as the search and rescue operation continues.

“Search and rescue operation is underway after a dam in Old Kijabe burst, sweeping through a section of Mai Mahiu town in Naivasha. The dam burst its banks early on Monday morning before the waters swept away several houses. Several people have also been rushed to hospital,” said Ndanyi.

How many died in Tana River accident

In other sad news, 28 people died following the tragic incident where a boat capsized at Kona Punda.

On Sunday, April 28, a boat carrying more than 50 people capsized while trying to cross River Tana, which was flooded.

Sharing the heartbreaking news, Garissa senator Ali Roba said 28 lives have been lost while many are still unaccounted for.

In his message, Roba sent his condolence message to the families of the affected victims, saying God should give them strength during this difficult time.

What else you need to know about floods in Kenya

• In the early hours of Monday, April 29, the bustling Nairobi-Naivasha Highway in the Mai-Mahiu area bore witness to a harrowing scene as floodwaters swept away numerous vehicles at 3 am.
• In Nairobi, four bodies believed to be of flood victims were retrieved from Mathare River following a heavy downpour.
• By Tuesday, April 23, Citizen TV, quoting the Kenya Red Cross Society, reported that the floods had led to the deaths of 35 people.