At least four individuals lost their lives in separate incidents as heavy rains lashed Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, for nearly eight hours from Sunday night through Monday morning.
The relentless downpour affected all 17 subcounties, leading to flooding in various areas, including sections of the Central Business District, Westlands, and Eastleigh.
Among the deceased was a police officer who tragically lost his life while attempting to rescue trapped families in the Kamukunji area.
According to authorities, the officer, from Kamukunji police station, had responded to a distress call to aid a family stranded in a flooded house. Although he successfully rescued the family, tragedy struck as he stepped on an open manhole while leaving the premises.
Witnesses reported that he was swept away by the rushing water into the flooded manhole, and despite search efforts, his body has yet to be recovered.
Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei confirmed the incident, stating that three other individuals were also swept away by floodwaters in Gigiri, Dagoretti, and Buruburu areas.
The heavy rains inundated walkways, roads, and drainages, rendering them impassable for pedestrians and vehicles alike. Even the elevated Nairobi Expressway experienced flooding, causing motorists to be stranded temporarily in some sections.
The weatherman has predicted that the heavy rains will continue to affect several parts of the country up until Wednesday this week.
