First Lady visits families displaced by floods in Athi River

Mama Rachel thanked the coordinated efforts to assist over 15,000 Kenyans affected across Machakos.

In Summary
  • She assured that the government is committed to supporting all Kenyans affected by the extensive rains and flooding in all areas of the country.

  • About 100 people who were marooned by raging floods in the Graceland area of Athi River were rescued by the Red Cross with the help of community members.

First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto and Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti in Athi River on April 30, 2024.
First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto and Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti in Athi River on April 30, 2024.
Image: OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY OF KENYA

First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto has visited families affected by floods in Athi River, Mavoko, where she donated foodstuffs and personal items.

The First Lady empathised with the families who have lost loved ones and thanked the coordinated efforts to assist over 15,000 Kenyans affected across Machakos.

She assured that the government is committed to supporting all Kenyans affected by the extensive rains and flooding in all areas of the country.

As part of the national strategy to improve food security, the First Lady also promised to work with local leaders to empower women economically and support them in growing food for their families.

The First Lady was accompanied by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, members of the clergy and county government officials.

About 100 people who were marooned by raging floods in the Graceland area of Athi River were rescued by the Red Cross with the help of community members.

The residents had been marooned by floods following heavy downpour.

On Monday, the First Lady mourned the death of at least 50 Kenyans killed in the Mai Mahiu landslide.

Bodies were collected from various places after heavy flash floods wiped out several homes in Kamuchiri Village Mai Mahiu, Nakuru, following heavy rains.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Mama Rachel sent her condolences saying the government will stand with those affected.

"Our hearts are heavy with sorrow over the Kijabe Dam incident. To all those who have lost loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences and stand with you in this time of profound grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic event," she said.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, 109 people have been rescued and rushed to various hospitals within Naivasha.

Intense rainfall has affected various regions in Kenya, including the Coastal area, Central areas including Nairobi, the Western Highlands, Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, South-eastern lowlands and North-eastern regions.

Since the onset of the March-April-May rains, multiple counties have felt its effects, resulting in households being affected and displacements.

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