•Search for Second Missing Person Continues
Isiolo, Kenya| The body of Paul Gitonga, the driver of a vehicle belonging to the Oldonyiro Member of County Assembly (MCA), was recovered on Saturday after the car was swept away by raging floodwaters the previous night.
The tragic incident occurred as the vehicle was en route from Kipsing to Isiolo town, highlighting the deadly impact of the ongoing heavy rains wreaking havoc across the region.
Details of the Incident
According to authorities, Gitonga was among three occupants in the ill-fated vehicle when it was overwhelmed by flash floods on Friday night.
The second occupant, Rajuel Lemantile, remains missing as rescue teams intensify search efforts along the flooded areas.
The third passenger, Boniface Muriungi, narrowly escaped death by breaking through the vehicle’s window and swimming to safety.
Local officials reported that the car was caught in a sudden surge of water, rendering the occupants helpless against the force of the currents.
The region has experienced relentless downpours in recent days, causing rivers to burst their banks and cutting off major roads, leaving several areas inaccessible.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
Emergency response teams, including police and local volunteers, have been deployed to locate Lemantile, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
The search has been hampered by strong currents and debris, raising fears that the missing individual may have been carried further downstream.
County disaster management officials have warned residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and to heed weather advisories as the rains persist.
“This is a devastating incident, and our priority is to find the missing individual while urging the public to exercise extreme caution,” said a spokesperson for the Isiolo County disaster response unit.
Survivor Recounts Harrowing Ordeal
Muriungi, the sole survivor, recounted the terrifying moments when the vehicle was engulfed by water.
“We had no warning—the water rose so fast. I managed to break the window and swim out, but the others were trapped,” he said, visibly shaken.
His escape underscores the life-threatening dangers posed by flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas prone to sudden inundation.
Authorities Issue Safety Warnings
The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for vigilance as meteorological reports predict continued heavy rainfall in the region.
Motorists have been advised to avoid crossing flooded roads, while residents in flood-prone zones have been urged to relocate to safer grounds.
This incident adds to a growing list of flood-related casualties in Kenya, where seasonal rains have displaced thousands, destroyed infrastructure, and disrupted livelihoods.
The government has been urged to enhance disaster preparedness and improve early warning systems to prevent further loss of life.
As the community mourns Gitonga’s death, hopes remain for Lemantile’s safe recovery.
Meanwhile, the survivor’s miraculous escape serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the urgent need for heightened safety measures during extreme weather events.
Updates will follow as rescue operations progress.
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