International media reports indicate that the Ministry of Interior has confirmed the death toll from the floods in Kenya to be 228, a significant increase from the previous count of 179. The flooding has devastated communities and impacted the Masai Mara Safari Park in western Kenya, where the overflowing Telek River swept away tourists in hotels.
Earlier in the day, a landslide near the village of Mai Mahio in the country’s centre killed 46 people. The ministry has issued a statement warning of potential landslides and mudslides in mountainous regions and anticipates a worsening situation in low-lying and coastal areas.
It is imperative to note that months of persistent flooding in Kenya have resulted in extensive damage to homes, roads, and bridges, displacing over 210,000 individuals. The adverse weather conditions have also affected neighbouring East African countries, with Tanzania reporting 155 fatalities due to floods and landslides. Uganda and Burundi have also experienced deaths and significant destruction from the rains.