•Rescue Mission has Since Been Concluded
Isiolo County, Kenya| The harrowing search for Rajuel Lemantile, one of the victims of the recent flash floods in Isiolo, has come to a heartbreaking end.
After three days of intense and coordinated rescue efforts, Lemantile’s body was recovered several kilometres downstream from where a vehicle was swept away by floodwaters last Friday night.
The grim discovery closes a chapter on a tragedy that has shocked and saddened the residents of Isiolo and beyond.
A Sudden Deluge: How the Flood Claimed Lives
On the evening of Friday, tragedy struck when a vehicle carrying three passengers—among them Rajuel Lemantile and the driver, Mr. Gitonga—was engulfed by sudden and violent flash floods.
The trio was navigating a flood-prone section of Isiolo County when the waters surged, overwhelming the vehicle in seconds.
According to eyewitness accounts, the water rose with alarming speed, giving the occupants little time to react.
Miraculously, one of the passengers managed to escape by breaking through a window and swimming to safety.
That survivor quickly alerted authorities, triggering an emergency response that would stretch across three days.
The driver, Mr. Gitonga, was found dead shortly after the incident. With Lemantile still missing, hopes for a live rescue dwindled with each passing hour, until his body was finally recovered downstream from the wreckage site—bringing a devastating conclusion to the search.
Coordinated Rescue Effort: A Testament to Inter-Agency Commitment
The operation to find Rajuel Lemantile was nothing short of exhaustive. Led by the Isiolo County Disaster Response Team, the mission involved:
- Aerial surveillance, using light aircraft to scan extensive flood zones.
- Deployment of specialized K9 units, trained to detect human scent in disaster environments.
- Ground search teams, who combed treacherous riverbanks, debris fields, and muddy terrain.
Challenged by unstable floodwaters and remote, inaccessible areas, rescuers pressed on tirelessly.
The recovery of Lemantile’s body not only brought closure to the grieving family but also served as a testament to the dedication of emergency teams who operated under extremely difficult conditions.
A Grieving Family and a Mourning Community
Rajuel Lemantile was not only a victim of nature’s fury but also a beloved son of Isiolo. He was the brother of Oldonyiro Ward MCA David Lemantile, who currently serves as the Deputy Speaker of the Isiolo County Assembly.
His death has cast a shadow of sorrow over the Oldonyiro community and the county’s political leadership.
Residents and leaders alike have poured out their grief, while also demanding answers and reforms.
In a message of solidarity, the ICBNews fraternity extends heartfelt condolences to the Lemantile family and the people of Oldonyiro, while urging both county and national governments to treat disaster preparedness with the urgency it demands.
The Bigger Picture: Climate Change and Infrastructure Gaps
This tragedy has reignited critical conversations about Kenya’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters, particularly in semi-arid and under-resourced counties like Isiolo.
Experts point to the increasing frequency of flash floods as a symptom of broader climate disruption, which is being felt acutely across East Africa.
Residents are calling for swift and sustained investment in:
- Early-warning systems to alert communities ahead of extreme weather events.
- Infrastructure upgrades, including better road drainage and reinforced bridges.
- Community awareness programs to improve local preparedness during rainy seasons.
The floods not only claimed lives but also exposed systemic gaps in disaster management.
The question on many minds now is whether these lessons will lead to meaningful change—or be forgotten with the receding waters.
A Final Word: Grief and Resolve
With all victims now accounted for, authorities have officially concluded the search and rescue operation.
In their final remarks, officials urged the public—especially motorists and travelers—to avoid crossing rivers or flood-prone roads during heavy rains.
As Isiolo mourns the loss of Rajuel Lemantile and Mr. Gitonga, there remains a collective resolve to honour their memories by ensuring such a tragedy is not repeated.
The hope is that their deaths will serve as a catalyst for long-overdue improvements in disaster response and infrastructure resilience.
This report will be updated should further details emerge regarding the post-mortem findings or policy responses from county leadership.
Share This Post