The Maai Mahiu death toll tragedy has now claimed the lives of 48 people, with 118 individuals still missing. Among all the challenges faced, one of the homeowners, whose house miraculously survived the floods in Maai Mahiu, decided to recount what he witnessed.
“My name is Kijabe studio, and I reside in Maai Mahiu. It was 2:30 pm when I heard a loud bang. I woke up startled and rushed outside to investigate. Upon stepping outside, I glimpsed water, along with trees and other debris, heading towards my house.
Hastily, I retreated indoors, secured the door, and woke up my young son who was sleeping downstairs. I instructed him to come upstairs with me. My family had already awakened, and together we moved to the balcony to observe the unfolding disaster.
From our vantage point, we watched as the floods breached our property, destroying our gate, walls, and car, while sparing some large trees. We were unable to leave the house as the floods had deposited soil, blocking our only exit. Several hours later, kind-hearted Samaritans arrived and cleared the obstruction, allowing us to escape.
I then began assessing the damage, discovering that only my car had been destroyed, while our chickens, goats, and other animals were unscathed.
I am grateful to God for sparing our home,” he concluded.
The floods have rendered over 200 people homeless, prompting them to seek refuge at Ngeya Primary School.