Eight Dead in Mukaa After Lorry Swept Away by Floodwaters

Mukaa, Kenya – A tragic incident on the Sultan Hamud-Kasikeu road resulted in the deaths of eight people when a lorry they were traveling in was swept away by floodwaters. The accident occurred at the Muatine Muswii River in Mukaa Sub County on Friday midday.

According to Kenya News Agency, 14 individuals were rescued from the ordeal. The victims, heading to Kasikeu market from Sultan Hamud, had been waiting since morning to cross the river when they decided to board the lorry. Fredrick Mwololo, a resident of Sultan Hamud, recounted the events, noting that the river had flooded following heavy rainfall the previous night, leading to the disaster when the vehicle attempted to cross.

Mukaa Sub County Police Commander Barnabas Ngeno emphasized the importance of caution during the ongoing heavy rains, advising the public against crossing flooded rivers. Ngeno stated that while the exact number of passengers aboard the lorry at the time of the accident remains unconfirmed, rescue efforts are ongoing.

Japheth Mang’oka, Makueni County Government Executive for Devolution, expressed gratitude towards the community, Kenya Red Cross, and the County Disaster Committee for their swift response to the emergency. Mang’oka also mentioned that the submerged lorry is still being searched to determine if additional victims are trapped inside.

The bodies of the deceased have been transported to the Sultan Hamud Sub County Hospital mortuary, where they will be preserved until autopsies can be performed.