Local divers in Trans Nzoia County have successfully retrieved the body of a man who drowned in River Sabwani last week. The deceased, identified as a resident of Bikeke village in Kiminini Constituency, lost his life while attempting to cross the swollen river following heavy rains that have battered the region in recent days.
Following the recovery, Kiminini Member of Parliament Maurice Kakai Bisau expressed sorrow over the tragic incident and cautioned residents against risking their lives by crossing flooded rivers and bridges. He emphasized the need for vigilance, especially during the ongoing rainy season that has caused widespread flooding across the county.
“It is regrettable that we have lost a young man who drowned while trying to cross the river. While we mourn his death, I urge everyone to be extremely cautious. Let us not risk our lives trying to cross swollen rivers,” Bisau advised locals who had gathered to witness the retrieval.
The MP also criticized the Trans Nzoia County Government for what he termed as a slow response to disaster situations. He urged Governor George Natembeya’s administration to strengthen its disaster preparedness and emergency response systems, noting that the situation on the ground required urgent and coordinated intervention.
“Every county has a disaster management budget, yet we are witnessing little action. The County Government must not sleep on the job—our people are suffering,” he stated.
In addition, Bisau called on families to take personal safety precautions during this period of heavy rainfall. He advised men to avoid unnecessary movements, particularly visits to drinking dens across flooded areas, warning that such behavior had led to preventable deaths.
“Crossing rivers to go drinking is dangerous. Think about your families. Women should discourage their husbands from venturing out in such weather,” he added.
Meanwhile, Public Service and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku is expected to visit Trans Nzoia to distribute relief supplies to families affected by the floods.
Reports indicate that at least 20,225 people have been displaced across the county due to flooding. The most affected areas include Namanjalala, Tembelela, Maliki, Kapsitwet, Lurare, Soymining in Kwanza Constituency, and Sirende in Kiminini. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue and relief efforts intensify.
