The body of a girl who was swept away by raging floodwaters in Olkaria, Kuku Ward, Kajiado South, has been recovered following an extensive search operation involving residents and security officers.
The young girl had been swept away on Friday evening while travelling home with her brother from the Ilasit direction when they were caught up in the floods.
According to residents who joined the search efforts and supported the bereaved family, the two siblings were travelling together when the surging waters swept them away.
Her brother narrated how he managed to save himself, but the girl was carried downstream by the powerful currents.
The search operation, which began on Friday evening shortly after the incident, continued into Saturday afternoon, when the girl's body was finally discovered in the lower plains of the Esireti area.
Residents said the floodwaters had carried her for more than 24 kilometres from the point where she was initially swept away, complicating efforts to locate her.
Following the recovery, her body was transported to Oloitokitok town, where it was expected to be preserved at the Oloitokitok Hospital mortuary as arrangements for further procedures are made.
The incident has renewed concerns over the dangers posed by swollen rivers and flash floods, particularly in areas experiencing heavy rainfall.
Residents have been urged to exercise caution when crossing rivers and flooded sections of roads, avoid attempting to walk or drive through fast-moving water and remain alert to changing weather conditions.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that floodwaters can rise rapidly, posing a danger to people, even in areas where water levels initially appear manageable.
The recovery brought relief to the family and residents who had spent hours searching for the missing girl, although the incident has left the community mourning the tragic loss.
The boy's survival offered some comfort to the family amid the difficult circumstances surrounding the incident.
