CDF Kahariri visits Mai Mahiu flood victims
The new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri visited the Mai Mahiu flood victims on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boss was at the place to assess the recovery process following a flooding menace that led to the loss of lives, displacement of people, and destruction of infrastructure. Major General John Nkomo received the new CDF and briefed him on the recovery process.
Nkomo is also the National Floods Coordination Centre Commander, alongside the Governor of Nakuru County, Susan Kihika, who was also at the site.
KDF and other agencies, including line ministries, departments, and agencies, were deployed to Mai Mahiu to enhance the search and recovery mission.
Kahariri's assurance
Kahariri said KDF's role is also to sensitize the public in areas that are prone to more flooding and urge them move to safer places.
“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,” Kahariri said as per KDF's portal.
Kahariri visited the victims that are hosted at Ngeya Girls Secondary School before he moved to Georges and Magathi Bridges.
"He further witnessed ongoing preparations at the new rescue centre, planned to host the displaced families," KDF's statement added.
The Mai Mahiu tragedy is the biggest that the country has so far witnessed since the flooding crisis began.
It occurred on April 29, 2024, when a tunnel situated on the hilly area of old Kijabe Road accumulated water due to blockage along the Metre Gauge Railway before it burst and swept households along River Tongi from Kamuchira village through Mai Mahiu.
