The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri on Saturday, May 4 visited the Mai Mahiu Disaster Recovery Center.
Kahariri’s visit is to assess the ongoing multi-agency efforts following recent flash floods.
The floods led to loss of lives, displacement of people and destruction of infrastructure.
The newly appointed CDF was received by the General Officer Commanding Border Security Command Major General John Nkoimo.
Nkoimo is the National Floods Coordination Centre Commander, also present was Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika.
The CDF was informed of the progress of the search and recovery efforts for victims of the Mai Mahiu tragedy.
He was notified that over 300 people are displaced, 112 were injured and 52 fatalities were registered.
The search efforts continue to recover the missing persons.
KDF joined the multi-agency team, composed of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Others involved are the County Government of Nakuru and other non-state actors.
KDF will deploy its capability to synergize the search and recovery operations.
Kahariri said the deployment is in line with the secondary role of the KDF, of assisting and cooperating with other government agencies.
This is 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 the General.
The General interacted with victims housed at Ngeya Girls Secondary School.
He aslo visited affected sites at the Georges and Magathi bridges.
Kahariri witnessed ongoing preparations at the new rescue centre, planned to host the displaced families.
Susan Kihika relished the support by KDF, saying it greatly improved the search and recovery efforts.
Kihika said more bodies are being retrieved from debris by the multi-agency teams.
The Mai Mahiu tragedy occurred on April 29 2024.
A tunnel situated on the hilly area of old Kijabe Road in Kiambu County built up water due to blockage along the Meter Gauge Railway.
The increased water burst the soggy walls, sweeping homes along River Tongi from Kamuchira village through Mai Mahiu.
During a visit to Mai Mahiu, President William Ruto ordered the deployment of KDF to search for those missing after the Mai Mahiu flooding.
