Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced plans for a joint funeral service to honor the victims of the Mai Mahiu tragedy on Thursday.
Speaking at a church service in Kiambu on Sunday, Gachagua stated that the service would be held by the government in collaboration with churches and local leaders.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of 58 people, with 51 still missing and 52 others sustaining injuries. It occurred early Monday morning when stormwater accumulated in one of the valleys on the Kijabe Escarpment.
“Water is a formidable force. Witnessing the devastation in Mai Mahiu, where we have lost 58 lives, reminds us of its power. We will convene a funeral on Thursday, and I implore fellow leaders to join me in standing with the bereaved,” Gachagua announced.
He also highlighted the ongoing search and rescue operations led by the Kenya Defence Forces, in collaboration with other agencies, which are steadily recovering more bodies. This initiative was spurred by President William Ruto’s directive on Monday to involve the military in the recovery efforts.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, on Sunday, revealed that more than 227,238 people have been affected by floods across the country since March when heavy rains linked to El Nino started.
Moreover, he stated that 72 people remain missing in various incidents nationwide, with 42,526 households displaced, affecting around 212,630 people.
