Floods claim two more lives in Makueni county

Two people have died after their car was swept away by the flooded River Ivoesyo in Nzaui sub-county, Makueni county, on Saturday night.

This is the second incident of flood-related deaths in the county in less than a week.

The victims were identified as Joseph Mbalya, a pastor at AIC Maumba church, and his unidentified companion. The body of Mr. Mbalya was recovered from the river on Sunday morning, while the search for the other person is still ongoing.

According to eyewitnesses, the pastor was driving a Nissan Xtrail from Wote town to his home when he attempted to cross the river at Upendo shopping centre, near Ukia Junction-Emali road.

The car was then overwhelmed by the raging waters and dragged downstream.

“I was woken up by screams from neighbours who witnessed the vehicle being swept away by the river. The pastor was coming from Wote town before the tragedy struck just past Upendo shopping centre,” John Mwanthi, a resident whose homestead is adjacent to the river, told The Standard.

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The area chief, David Mutuku, confirmed the incident and said that the police had been notified. He also urged motorists to avoid crossing flooded rivers and use alternative routes.

The car was still stuck in the river by the time of going to press, as locals joined the rescue efforts to find the missing person.

The incident happened barely 72 hours after eight other people were killed by the flooded river Muuoni in Mbitini ward.

Three bodies have since been found, while the search for the other five is still continuing.