About 42 people were confirmed dead on Monday April 29, 2024 after Kijabe dam burst and caused floods that killed people in Kamuchiri Village, Mai Mahiu.

This was after Kijabe dam burst in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, due to the ongoing heavy rains in the country.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, several people were displaced by the overflowing water after the dam broke its banks on Monday morning. 

Confirming the incident, Naivasha police commander Stephen Kirui said that some of the victims of floods who were rescued were rushed to Naivasha Hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, a multi-agency team comprising teams from the Kenya police, Nakuru County disaster management team and Kenya Red Cross have intensified rescue operations at the scene.

Kirui disclosed that several people were affected by the floods and more bodies are still trapped in mud.

“The dam burst Monday morning, before the water swept away several houses. Some people who were rescued are undergoing treatment at hospitals,” said Kirui. 

According to the area residents, the death toll is expected to rise as several people are still not accounted for after the tragedy. 

Most of the victims of the floods are children, according to a police report.

The rescue teams were combing through collapsed houses, in search of survivors and bodies. 

At the same time, Naivasha member of parliament Jane Kihara who was among other leaders at the scene said that the floods had caused huge destruction of property and loss of lives in the area.