74-year-old man stranded on flooded River Athi island for seven days finally rescued

A 74-year-old man who remained stranded on Ndeini island in Wamunyu, Machakos County, for seven days after River Athi flooded has been rescued.

Nyolo Ngeti had gone to look after his cattle on the island when water levels in the river rose, making him unable to cross over to the mainland.

After his rescue on Tuesday morning, Nyolo said he ate nothing for seven days and was forced to take the flooded water for survival.

“I have suffered on the island and I thank Governor Wavinya Ndeti for organizing a boat to rescue me. I will henceforth warn everyone against getting near flooded places,” he narrated.

So far, 10 people have been rescued from River Athi this rainy season after seven people stranded in the Kabaa area were airlifted to safety last Friday after spending three days in the raging waters.

Another man was rescued in Oldonyo Sabuk, while police airlifted a five-year-old boy in the Ndiuni area in Katangi after spending five days on an island.

Machakos County Executive Committee Member for Roads and Transport, Rita Ndunge, who oversaw Ngeti’s rescue operation, advised residents to stay away from areas prone to flooding to avoid such incidents.