Motorists plying the Kisumu- Nairobi highway have been forced to persevere an hours-long snarl-up at the Ahero area after river Nyando burst its banks on Saturday night forcing water to flow over the Ahero bridge.

Videos show heavy traffic near the bridge as neighbouring homes including the Ahero police station have also been marooned by water.

Kisumu County police commander Alphonse Wambua confirmed that they have received reports that suspected thugs have taken advantage of the situation and started robbing motorists of their valuables.

He added that officers have been deployed to the area to maintain calm. Motorists are seeking alternative routes to avoid the flooded area.

Meanwhile, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) has announced the re-opening of the Nakuru-Eldoret highway, which had been partially closed in Timboroa area. The road had been closed after cracked emerged on its base. 

Heavy rains continued to pound in many parts of Kenya, exacerbating the severe aftermath already caused.

As of Saturday, May 4, 2024, the government announced that 219 people have so far lost their lives, 164 were reportedly injured and 72 were missing.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki said that 41,248 households have been displaced affecting approximately 206,240 people.

He further noted that 115 camps, which are so far hosting 27,856 people, have been set up across 19 Counties.

Counties expected to continue experiencing heavy rains include Nairobi, Nyeri, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Nandi, Bomet, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia and Narok counties.

Others are Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Siaya, Homabay, Machakos, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, and Marsabit counties.