Passengers escape unhurt after BBBI rally-bound bus overturns in Mbooni

The bus that plunged into River Waani in Mbooni, Makueni County on February 1, 2020. [Stephen Nzioka, Standard]

At least 45 people travelling to Kitui for a Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) rally narrowly escaped death after a bus they were travelling in overturned in swollen River Waani in Mbooni, Makueny County.

The river broke its bank and flooded after Friday night’s heavy downpour in various parts of Makueni.

Confirming the incident, Mbooni East Sub-county police commander Agnes Omojong' said the "Wananchi" Matatu was swept away by the flooded river on Itangini-Kakuswi road.

"I can confirm that all the people have been accounted for, no injuries but I can't tell whether they were headed to BBI rally in Kitui, I just know they were passengers," said Ms Omojong'

The Matatu was ferried by water to a distance from a drift across the river lying on one side with passengers forced to exit through windows.

Wambua Masavu, Kisau/Kiteta MCA told the Standard digital that the vehicle involved in the accident was one among vehicles hired to ferry people to the BBI rally at Kitui Stadium.

The passengers are still stranded at the scene trying to collect their belongings from the vehicle.