7 dead as floods wreak havoc in Ongata Rongai

Seven people have been confirmed dead after they were swept by raging waters as they crossed Kandisi River in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County on Thursday night.

The seven were part of a group of 10 people who were crossing the bridge when flood water levels rose drastically as the rains pounded the area through the night.

According to a resident, the 10 attempted to hold on to the guardrails but they were not strong enough to withstand the force of the floods.

Area MP, Joseph Manje blamed the contractor of the bridge for rushing the construction.

“The contractor did not wield the guardrails properly and they caved in, we need a stronger bridge as this is the main bridge towards the SGR station in Ongata Rongai,” said the legislator.

Area residents said the SGR contractors should be involved in the building of a stronger bridge that will serve the area well.

Kenya’s Red Cross estimates at least 100 people have died following heavy rains and mudslides since early April.