NAIROBI, Kenya — A 14-seater matatu was swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross the Basilinga River in Samburu at around 11:45 am on Tuesday, as heavy rains continue to batter parts of the country.
According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, all 14 passengers onboard were safely accounted for, although the vehicle remained stuck in the river.
“The incident has disrupted transport along the route, with vehicles and passengers stranded on both sides as they wait for water levels to subside,” the agency said.
Authorities had not indicated when normal movement would resume, as rising water levels continued to affect accessibility in the area. The incident occurred amid ongoing heavy rains that have caused rivers to swell rapidly and rendered several roads impassable.
The development comes against the backdrop of a wider flood crisis affecting multiple regions. The National Police Service said the death toll from the ongoing floods had risen to 110, with multi-agency teams remaining on high alert.
In an update issued on March 28, the police confirmed five additional fatalities — two in the Western region, two in the North Eastern region, and one in the Rift Valley. The latest figures followed an earlier report of 103 deaths linked to the floods.
“The National Police Service, in collaboration with emergency and disaster response agencies, remains fully deployed and on high alert to mitigate the effects of ongoing flooding in affected areas,” the statement said.
Although rainfall has reduced in intensity in some regions, authorities warned that the risk of flooding remains high due to saturated ground and overflowing drainage systems.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant, particularly in flood-prone and previously affected areas. Police emphasised that cooperation between residents and emergency personnel is critical in ensuring safety.
“The public is urged to cooperate fully with officers and emergency personnel on the ground, as coordinated efforts are critical to ensuring safety,” the statement added.
The floods have disrupted daily life in several parts of the country and increased the risk of secondary hazards, including road accidents. Motorists were cautioned to exercise extra care, especially during reduced visibility and on waterlogged roads.
The crisis has also triggered displacement, with authorities indicating that at least 2,795 households had been affected as of March 27, forcing families to leave their homes due to rising water levels.
