How furious flood tore apart Maai Mahiu as National Toll Hits 169

As of Tuesday, the national death toll stood at 171 dead, with search and rescue operations ongoing in different parts including Mai Mahiu.

Over 30,000 households have been displaced, affecting an estimated 150,000 people.

President William Ruto who toured Mai Mahiu urged   vigilance and adherence to safety measures as the nation grapples with this devastating tragedy.

A sudden, apocalyptic flood ripped through the sleeping community early Monday morning, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

Njenga, a once proud family man, is now a lone survivor. His wife and two children were tragically swept away by the raging floodwaters, one of the 48 lives claimed in the disaster. Another 53 remain missing, presumed dead.

The flood's fury was indiscriminate. Farms were flattened, houses reduced to rubble, and the Mai Mahiu-Naivasha road became a thick, impassable mudslide.

Njenga, caught in the torrent that reached his neck, fought desperately for his life amidst the chaos of churning water, uprooted trees, and debris from shattered homes. His livestock and rented house were lost as mere casualties in the face of nature's wrath.

Njenga's story is not unique. Survivors describe a night of unimaginable terror. The downpour morphed into a relentless wave of mud, carving a path of destruction through the heart of Mai Mahiu. Cars were tossed from the highway like toys, and screams echoed through the darkness as lives were swept away.

Deden Muiri, another survivor, relives the chilling moment he saw a flash of lightning before being engulfed by the flood. Just like Njenga, he watched helplessly as the water took his wife, leaving him to fight for his survival. Miraculously, he clung to a tree branch, a beacon of hope amid despair.

One resident, Julie Njeru, heard a frantic knocking in the early hours and knew something was wrong. Her efforts to wake neighbours were largely ignored, the heavy sleep a cruel barrier to the impending danger. Those who heeded the warning may have just saved their lives.

The scene at the Mai Mahiu weighbridge is a grim testament to the flood's power. Houses lie in ruins, the weighbridge itself displaced meters from its original position. Mangled vehicles, mud-caked furniture, and personal belongings scattered everywhere paint a picture of interrupted lives and a night many won't forget.

The floodwaters targeted "George's," a settlement built along the riverbank known for its affordable housing. Residents were ripped from their beds, and many buried alive in the mud. The nearby hospital, tragically located just 200 meters away, was inaccessible due to a blocked bridge, hindering rescue efforts.

Many others across the country share a similar fate. Flash floods in Sindo town claimed the lives of a woman and three children from the same family, displacing over 200 others. Heavy rains are expected to continue, raising fears of further flooding.