Seven people including a pregnant mother trapped in Machakos Island will be airlifted to safety today (Friday).
A rescue team from the national government’s specialized unit is on the way to Kabaa Island in Mwala, Machakos County.
The seven are residents of the 48-acre -Kabaa island in River Athi in the Mwala sub-county.
Multiple sources told the Star that boat rescue attempts had been unsuccessful. The seven were reported trapped on the Island after Athi River burst its banks due to heavy rains.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi and the area security team went to the river banks early Friday to assess the situation as they await the specialized rescue team from Nairobi.
“A boat rescue has been impossible. We are anticipating an airlift or specialized KDF team that will be assessing the ground today. We are hopeful for a breakthrough today,” Mwala deputy county commissioner David Tegutwa told the Star on Friday.
Tegutwa said he had talked to the KDF team leader this morning who confirmed they were on their way to the scene for rescue operations.
Mwala sub-county police commander Nancy Jerobon said the road from Kabaa to the island was impassible.
Jerobon said the seven people had been stranded since Wednesday evening.
They include; Raphael Mutavi (70), Peter Mutua (28), Paul Mweu, Mary Mutheu (38-year-old expectant mother), Peter Muthini (62), Paul Mulatia (49) and Kithoka Ngii, 55.
The police boss said the river had burst its banks by about 60 metres.
"The water levels are receding from last evening. But, the situation is still dire. No incident has been reported since the beginning of the floods," Jerobon said.
She said the victims had been called on phones, counselled and advised to stay calm pending rescue.
