The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri today visited the Mai Mahiu Disaster Recovery Center to assess the ongoing multi-agency efforts following recent flash floods that led to the loss of lives, displacement of people and destruction of infrastructure.
He was received by the General Officer Commanding Border Security Command Major General John Nkoimo, who is also the National Floods Coordination Centre Commander, alongside the Governor of Nakuru Hon. Susan Kihika.
The CDF was apprised of the progress of the search and recovery efforts for victims of the Mai Mahiu tragedy. He was informed that over 300 people were displaced, 112 injured and 52 fatalities registered so far as search efforts continue to recover the missing persons.
Due to the magnitude of the tragedy, KDF joined the multi-agency team, composed of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the County Government of Nakuru and other non-state actors, on Tuesday, 30 April 2024, deploying its capability to synergize the search and recovery operations.
The CDF said that the deployment is in line with the secondary role of the KDF, of assisting and cooperating with other government agencies, especially during emergencies and disasters to safeguard the lives of Kenyans.
“KDF has deployed varied capabilities and is working with the multi-agency teams to support the affected families, including those who have lost their loved ones. When we come together, we get to serve the nation better. Most importantly, is to closely monitor the situation to determine who is in greater danger and sensitize the people in prone areas to move to safer grounds,” said General Kahariri.
The CDF interacted with victims accommodated at Ngeya Girls Secondary School before visiting the affected sites at the Georges and Magathi bridges. He further witnessed ongoing preparations at the new rescue centre, planned to host the displaced families.
The Nakuru Governor appreciated the support by KDF, saying it has greatly enhanced the search and recovery efforts, resulting in more bodies being retrieved from debris by the multi-agency teams.
The Mai Mahiu tragedy occurred on 29th April 2024 whereby a tunnel situated on the hilly area of old Kijabe Road in Kiambu County accumulated water due to blockage along the Meter Gauge Railway and the increased water burst the soaked walls, sweeping households along River Tongi from Kamuchira village through Mai Mahiu.
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