- DCI said police in Kathonzweni in Makueni county were concerned over the development and cautioned members of the public to stay away from the dam.
- The caution came hours after Interior CS Kithure Kindiki issued a directive for Kenyans residing within 30 metres of rivers to vacate immediately.
Image: DCI/X
Police Thursday evening issued a situational report indicating that water levels at Thwake Dam are rising rapidly, posing danger to humanity.
The report dispatched by the DCI said police in Kathonzweni in Makueni county were concerned over the development and cautioned members of the public to stay away from the dam.
"The intake tunnel is submerged, the guard rails destroyed and the Makueni bridge engulfed by raging waters. The subcounty's quarry area and the garage and residential site belonging to Sinoma subcontractor are also flooded," the report said.
"Consequently, habitancy and movement along the said areas has been rendered dangerous by the floods, and locals and any persons involved in any kind of engagement around the area are advised to keep away for their own safety," police said.
The caution came hours after Interior CS Kithure Kindiki issued a similar directive to Kenyans residing within a 30-metre distance fom rivers in Nairobi and other water catchment areas to vacate immediately.
The CS also directed people living within the neighbourhoods of dams to move to safer ground within 24 hours effective Thursday 6pm or be forcefully evacuated upon lapse of the grace period.
"It is hereby ordered that all members of the public residing within the following high risk fragile ecosystem areas vacate the said areas immediately and in any case within 24 hours effective today, May 2, 2024 at 1830 hours, failing which they will be subjected to mandatory evacuation for their safety," the CS said.
"Mandatory evacuation of affected persons shall be carried out strictly between 0600 hours and 1830 hours, and, for the avoidance of doubt, no mandatory evacuation shall be carried out at night," he added.
Kindiki said high risk areas include areas prone to landslides or mudslides, settlements close to filled up public or private dams or other water reservoirs, and settlements within riparian land along rivers and other water courses.
The directive came same day the government announced that at least 188 people had died as a result of the ongoing heay rains.
The Interior Ministry said 90 others had been reported missing while 125 people are nursing injuries.
The government said at least 196,296 people and 1,967 schools have been impacted by the heavy rains countrywide.
State House said on Thursday President William Ruto will address the nationa at 1pm Friday.
Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed did not give further details but the floods situation is expected to feature on the agenda.
The President has this week alone chaired two Cabinet meetings on Tuesday and Thursday to deliberate on additional mitigation measures.
The Kenya Meteorological Department on its part said the heavy rains are expected to continue pounding various parts of the country until at least Monday, May 6.
The rains, the weatherman said, will be accompanied with strong winds especially at the coastal strip where ocean waves may hit a high of two metres.