2 Kitui residents drowned in separate incidents as heavy rains wreak havoc across the region, leaving roads impassable and locals grappling with destruction.
A 48-year-old watermelon farmer, identified as Kasele Nthenge from Nuu village, Mwingi East sub-county, tragically drowned on his farm while attempting to modify a water outlet on his pond that was filled to the brim due to heavy rains.
The incident occurred when the farmer adjusted the pond’s spillway to collect more water during the torrential rains.
Nuu Assistant County Commissioner confirmed the incident, explaining that the farmer slipped on the pond’s polythene lining and fell into the water.
“Tragedy struck as the man, who is a watermelon farmer, was blocking the existing water outlet on the pond, He wanted to alter the spillway so that he could get more water to use for irrigation once the rains subside,” he said.
Despite his young son raising the alarm, neighbors arrived too late to save him. The farmer’s body was later recovered and taken to the Nuu Hospital morgue for preservation.
In a separate incident, Purity Kiema, assistant chief of Katalwa, confirmed the drowning of a woman who was traveling to her farm. The victim had hired a boda boda to cross the flooded Katalwa drift on the Mwiwe River when the motorbike was swept away by powerful currents.
“The woman had taken a boda boda to her farm. Upon reaching the drift, the motorbike was swept away by the floods,” Kiema stated.
Although the rider managed to swim to safety, the woman was overwhelmed by the floodwaters and drowned. Her body was retrieved by members of the public and transported to Kitui Level IV Hospital morgue. The motorbike was later discovered buried in sand downstream.
As Kitui County battles the aftermath of the downpours, residents are reminded of the dangers posed by flooded rivers and unstable ground. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and avoid crossing flooded areas as the heavy rains persist. Emergency response teams remain on high alert as parts of the county report significant disruptions.
