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51 passengers in bus from Garissa to Nairobi narrowly escape death by floods

The Umma Express Bus is engulfed by floodwaters on its way from Garissa to Nairobi on April 9, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

By Farhiya Hussein | 09 Apr 2024

Tana River County Commander Ali Ndiema blamed the driver, Hassan Rage, saying he drove through floodwater despite warnings from other drivers.

Fifty-one travellers narrowly escaped death on Tuesday when floodwaters engulfed their bus on the Garissa-Nairobi Highway, forcing them to save themselves by climbing to its top.

The incident occurred at Lager Areli at around 11.30 am as passengers in the Umma Express Bus headed from Garissa to Nairobi.

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Tana River County Commander Ali Ndiema blamed the driver, Hassan Rage, saying he drove through floodwater despite warnings from other drivers.

The government, through agencies such as the Kenya Meteorological Department, has also advised people living in flood-prone areas to avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.

Ndiema said the bus was swept away by strong currents, ending up about 50 metres away from the road.

"He recklessly endangered the lives of over 50 individuals, which constitutes a criminal act subject to legal consequences," he said.

Ndiema reported that most of the passengers were unharmed and that efforts were underway to rescue them.

He reiterated the warning against moving through flooded areas, whether on foot or in cars, as this could lead to serious injuries or death.

On Monday, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) closed the Garissa-Nairobi Highway (A3) due to flooding in the Mororo area between Madogo and the Tana River Bridge.

Other routes, including the Garissa-Mombasa Highway at Bilbil and Charidende in Tana River, are being monitored as they have in the past been damaged by floods.