General Charles Kahariri, the Chief of Defence Forces (PDF), visited the Mai Mahiu Disaster Recovery Center on Saturday. While there, he observed the work that a coalition of agencies is doing to address the devastating flash floods that have recently occurred.
Hundreds of people were displaced, many people died, and the floods destroyed vital infrastructure.
Major General John Nkoimo, the commander of the National Floods Coordination Center and General Officer Commanding Border Security Command, and Governor Susan Kihika of Nakuru greeted General Kahariri upon his arrival.
During his visit, General Kahariri received an update on the status of the ongoing search and recovery operations.
He was told that efforts are still in progress to find the missing people in the wake of the floods, which have caused over 300 residents to be evacuated, 112 injuries, and 52 fatalities.
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The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) joined the multi-agency response team this past Tuesday, realizing the gravity of the situation.
Including various government departments enhances the collaborative search and recovery operations, the Nakuru County government, and other non-governmental entities in the team.
According to General Kahariri, the KDF's participation is in line with its support function to preserve Kenyan lives during national emergencies.
To meet the needs of the affected families and stop additional deaths, he underlined the significance of cooperation and coordination.
After receiving an update on the operations, General Kahariri visited the makeshift housing for flood victims at Ngeya Girls Secondary School.
In addition, he observed the establishment of a new rescue center intended for displaced families. He examined the ongoing efforts at the most affected locations, such as the Georges and Magathi bridges.
Governor Kihika conveyed her appreciation for the KDF's assistance, pointing out that it has been instrumental in improving the efficiency of the current recovery operations, which have already resulted in the recovery of more victims from the wreckage.
On April 29, 2024, a blockage along the Meter Gauge Railway caused water to accumulate in a tunnel located on the hilly section of the former Kijabe Road in Kiambu County, resulting in the Mai Mahiu tragedy.
Increased water caused the walls to burst, sweeping homes along the River Tongi from Mai Mahiu through Kamuchira village.
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