Children killed by swollen rivers as rains wreak havoc

Heavy rainfall continued to wreak havoc across the country on Sunday, claiming the lives of two children.

In Homa Bay District a 13-year-old girl was killed by the swollen River Arujo as she walked back home with her brother after selling vegetable in Homa Bay town.

The pupil at Maguti Primary School had attempted to cross the swollen river. Her body was recovered 500 metres away.

Her brother Victor Omondi Oyoo escaped by clinging onto the branches of a tree. He was later taken to Homa Bay District Hospital where he was treated for shock.

A similar tragedy happened in Kanam B Location in Rachuonyo North District where 7-year-old boy was swept away together with three cows which he had gone to herd.

In Wahambla area, villagers lost chicken, goats and sheep after they were washed away by the swollen river Rangwena that had burst its banks.

Kiosks submerged

Traders at Nyalkinyi junction also lost merchandise after their kiosks were submerged. Villagers also counted losses on their farms after floods washed away crops.

In Nyakoyo Village, five homes were swept away forcing families to spend the night in the cold.

Kenya Red Cross Society officials have already moved to the Homa Bay County to access the devastation. (SEE IN PICTURES: Rains cause havoc)

In parts of North Rift, floods led to the suspension of relief food distribution after roads became impassable.

Trucks carrying the relief food are unable to reach families in need of the supplies due to dilapidated roads,” said Joseph Kanyiri, Turkana South district commissioner.

“Disaster management teams are however on the ground to help avert catastrophes such as landslides likely to be caused by the floods,” said Mr Kanyiri.

The rains have rendered most roads in Kerio Valley impassable making it impossible for farmers to reach markets for their food crops.

And due to heavy rains in Mt Kenya region, the Kenya Red Cross Society has issued an alert to families living in the low lands along the Tana River in Garissa and Tana Delta to move to higher grounds.

Both Kindaruma and Masinga dams are already. At least 50 people have lost their lives countrywide as a result of flooding since March.