10 family members trapped in Kajiado after floods

Ten family members find themselves stranded in floodwaters in the Entasopia area of Kajiado West sub-county after the River Ewuaso Nyiro overflowed, submerging their home.

A helicopter dispatched by the Kenya Red Cross attempted to land at Mzee Julius Nyerere's home in Soweto village on Wednesday morning. However, dense mango trees obstructed its landing.

Elder Joseph Sirai recounted, "The chopper made several attempts until 11:30 am, but it couldn't land due to the dense mango canopy."

He further mentioned, "We are mobilizing youths who are adept swimmers to assist in securing the trapped family members."

Despite additional efforts by Letore Lodge to provide another helicopter, the rescue mission was unsuccessful.

Sirai expressed concern that the family's phones may be inaccessible due to low battery, stating, "We hope they are safe. The mango canopy is hindering the chopper's landing."

Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross has initiated food supply operations to affected individuals in Entasopia via helicopters, following the closure of the Oltepesi-Magadi Road by KenHA.

Food items sourced from Kiserian are being airlifted to Nkurruman and Entasopia, where 500 families have been displaced by floods.

In Kajiado, the heavy rains on Tuesday night caused damage to a Church house in Entasopia and several houses in Kitengela town.

Rose Chelule, a resident of Noonkopir near Kitengela, recounted being awakened at 2:30 am when a seasonal river inundated her house for nearly seven hours.

Chelule and her children were rescued on Wednesday morning by Kenya Red Cross officials using boats.

Wangari Gikonyo, whose distress call was reported by The Star, confirmed her safety but remained trapped in her flooded home along Balozi Road.

"Oooh, my God. We are dying. Anyone in Kitengela please help. Floods," Gikoyo had tweeted when her house was inundated.

Numerous homes along the Old Namanga Road are currently submerged, with similar situations in the Kimalat area, obstructing vehicle access from Isinya to Kitengela.

Additionally, floodwaters have surpassed a bridge near KAG University between Kisaju and Kitengela on the Namanga highway.

In Entasopia, a Church house was split into two after another seasonal river overflowed on Tuesday night.

Despite the property damage, there have been no reported deaths as of 10 am in Kitengela town. Police and Red Cross officials continue to assist trapped families in relocating to safer areas.