Kenya – Tragedy After Bus Swept Away by Floods in Kitui County

At least 32 people have died in tragic circumstances when a bus was dragged into a flooded river in Kitui County, Kenya on 04 December 2021.

A bus was dragged into the flooding Enzui River in Kenya, 04 December 2021. Photo: Government of Kitui County

The Governor of Kitui County, Charity Ngilu, said “a bus carrying Catholic faithfuls was swept away while attempting to cross a swollen river Enziu in Nguni, Mwingi.” It is thought the bus was carrying passengers, which included choir members, to a wedding.

Teams of emergency workers from government, Kenya Red Cross and law enforcement agencies were at the scene “doing everything possible to search and rescue as well as recovery,” the governor said.

It is not known how many passengers were on the bus. As of 04 December, 21 bodies had been found and 17 people had survived.

As of 05 December the bus wreckage had been retrieved from the river. Early 06 December the government of Kitui County confirmed 32 people had died in the tragedy. Recovery efforts were continuing to ensure no bodies are left behind trapped at the river bed, Charity Ngilu said.

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