By Christine Tarayie
Five family members died on Sunday after being swept by flash floods in Ng’atataek area Kajiado Central.
The 5 were from Namanga headed to Ilbisil before being swept away by the flooded Ng’atotoek Bridge.
The incident happened at 9 pm, among those who died is a middle aged woman, her three kids and brother in law who was the driver of the ill-fated Nissan van.
The family was coming from a wedding party when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Distressed family members were concerned when it emerged that two hours later the family had not arrived home and their phones were off.
Family members, relatives, volunteers and security officers braved the heavy down pour that pounded Kajiado the entire night searching for the family and luckily their vehicle was spotted along the bridge at 4am.
“We started trailing the van and due to the heavy downpour there were barely any person and vehicles plying the route, “said Stephen Kariuki.
Kajiado County Commissioners Joshua Nkanatha has urged Kajiado residents against crossing flooded rivers.
He also cautions drivers against underrating the level of water especially during night hours to avoid putting lives of passenger at risk.
Nkatha has also appealed to residents living in areas prone to mudslides to move to safer grounds to avert loss of lives.
“Flash floods in this region do not last for long and it is just a matter of a few hours and the water levels go down,” said Nkanatha.
The bodies of the deceased were moved to Kajiado hospital mortuary