Mai Mahiu: Emotions Run High As Families Hold Photos Of Loved Ones At Memorial Service

• The memorial service of the Kenyans who died in the flash floods that swept houses and people in Mai Mahiu was held on May 9
• At the event, the relatives of the people who sadly lost their lives were given the photos of their loved ones, which had been neatly framed
• It was just too much for the families, and many could be seen breaking down into tears, hugging the photos and being consoled by their relatives

Tears flowed freely at the memorial service of the Mai Mahiu victims as friends and families were given the photos of their kin who were swept away by the fatal flash floods that hit the area on Sunday, April 29.

Relatives of Mai Mahiu tragedy break down

The crowd milled inside the huge tent where the photos were hung at the front.

People who wanted to view the photos and keep them on their phones for remembrance also had to struggle and push to get to the front.

For others, the pain was too much to bear, and they only glanced at the photos once before dissolving into painful tears.

While speaking at the event, Governor Kiarie Badilisha from Nyandarua said the victims of the floods were heroes, as they would make the country and experts such as engineers and surveyors accountable and do repair work.

"Among those people are two children from North Kinangop, and we shall be laying them to rest on May 9 , 2024," said Badilisha at the memorial service.

The government will help the families with burial expenses.

Kenyans console relatives of Mai Mahiu victims

@sarahw546:

"May Abba father give comfort to all families.Its very sad!"

@maryanneyawe7759:

"May their souls rest in peace and God's presence comfort their loved ones. Amen."

@user-bp3fh2gk2x:

"So sad."

@rosekago7936:

"May they RIP."

Woman flies from Saudi Arabia to bury babies

In another story, a Kenyan woman working in Saudi Arabia flew back home to lay her children to rest after they were tragically swept away in the Mahi Mahiu flood disaster.

Grace, the bereaved mother, arrived on May 7, 2024, following the devastating news of her children's demise following the tragedy.

The flood, which struck in the early hours of a Sunday, left a trail of destruction, engulfing the family's home and other villagers.

Highlights of the Mai Mahiu tragedy

• Survivors recounted events before the dam accident that left many dead and devastation in its wake
• Pastor Simon, who tragically lost his family and nearly all his possessions, found a glimmer of solace amidst the ruins
• An elderly man could not take it any more and broke down while recounting how he lost two sons

Proofreading by Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke