- Machakos County Police Commander Patrick Lobolia said several rescue operations have been ongoing across Machakos County since Sunday morning.
- He said River Athi had burst its banks leading to flooding in most parts within Machakos County and its environs.
Image: HANDOUT
Police are investigating an incident where a body was recovered in Masinga, Machakos County on Monday.
Machakos County Police Commander Patrick Lobolia said the unidentified body was found along River Athi in Masinga subcounty.
Lobolia said several rescue operations have been ongoing across Machakos County since Sunday morning.
He said the joint operations were led by Kenya Red Cross but it wasn’t clear whether the death had been caused by flooding.
Lobolia spoke to the Star hours after a 10-year-old boy was rescued from a village marooned by floods in Katangi, Machakos County on Tuesday.
“We were in the operations to rescue a child from the flooded area where he was stuck hence stranded. Kenya Red Cross led in the rescue mission that was initially being conducted using boats,” Lobolia told the Star.
He said a police chopper was sought after initial attempts to rescuee the stranded boy failed.
Lobolia said the flood situation in Machakos County was worrying hence the need for all residents, motorists and general road users to be more careful.
He said River Athi had burst its banks leading to flooding in most parts within Machakos County and its environs.
"The situation is that due to the ongoing heavy rains, most parts of the county especially along River Athi have flooded,” Lobolia said.
The police chief said areas outside Athi River had also been affected by floods owing to the fact that they were low-land areas.
Lobolia warned that those in low-lying areas should move to safe grounds before their homes are marooned by the flood waters.
He warned residents against crossing rivers, streams or other water bodies saying they pose a danger.
“Those who are in lowland areas should move to highland regions, all should also use bridges while crossing rivers among other water bodies for their own safety,” Lobolia said.
Earlier, Athi River Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Mwangi said it was impossible for residents to return to their homes because the ongoing rains are still heavy.
Mwangi said the 34 displaced persons were still accommodated at Kinanie health centre.
He said drainage challenges across Athi River subcounty was the major cause of the flooding situations.
Athi River East subcounty police commander Anderson Mbae told the Star that they were yet to receive any cases as a result of flooding within his jurisdiction.
"We have no any reported cases as a result of flooding,” Mbae told the Star on Tuesday.