Mai Mahiu deaths: One government, different numbers, who is telling the truth?

The most recent tragic incident resulting from the heavy downpour is the Mai Mahiu floods, where tens of people were killed and others injured.

The unconfirmed casualties

As families continue to wait for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other bodies such as Kenya Red Cross to retrieve their loved ones from the mud, the number of casualties in the April 29 incident remains a preserve of only a few. 

We are saying tens of people have died because we don't have a definite number, as the government has been giving contradicting figures of the casualties from the tragedy. 

In a telephone interview with Inooro FM on Tuesday, a day after the tragedy, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said a total of 71 bodies had been retrieved.

“We have 46 people in the mortuary but we have more bodies being taken there so they will be about 71. There are many others who are still missing and a search is ongoing. We pray that we find them alive. If they are dead then we will say God is never questioned,” Gachagua said. 

His figures were confirmed by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, who told CNN that 71 people had been confirmed dead from the tragedy. Mai Mahiu falls within Nakuru County.

However, the same government under DP Gachagua seems to be reading from different scripts with regards to the actual number of casualties from the Mai Mahiu flash floods. 

A statement by the Interior Ministry on Sunday, updating the situation of the rains and floods in the country, gave a different figure from what the DP and the Governor said earlier.

In the statement, Prof. Kithure Kindiki's ministry said "58 deceased persons have been retrieved, 41 of whom have been positively identified and families duly informed". 

"151 Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are actively engaged in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County following the mudslide tragedy where 58 deceased persons have been retrieved, 41 of whom have been positively identified and families duly informed. Mai Mahiu-Narok Road is now clear and open for traffic movement and Kenya Railways is conducting inspections of the railway line in Kijabe," an excerpt of the ministry's statement to newsrooms states.

"The mudslide at Mai Mahiu has claimed now 52 lives, 52 other people injured, and still 51 people missing," Mwaura said.

The different figures issued by the same government paint an opaque picture of the magnitude of the Mai Mahiu tragedy and cast a doubt on the everyday data issued by the government regarding the ongoing heavy rains in the country.

The flood situation

The government now says a nationwide assessment of all dams has been conducted and 192 dams identified to be high risk in Central (60), Eastern (39), Rift Valley (29), Coast (22), Western (21), Nairobi (12), North Eastern (5), and Nyanza (4). 

All persons residing within the 30-Metre riparian corridor of rivers and other water courses across the Country have been ordered to vacate immediately for their safety.

Mandatory evacuation along rivers in Nairobi County (Mathare, Ngong and Nairobi Rivers) is ongoing with the Government facilitating logistical support, temporary shelter and essential supplies to those affected.

7 deceased persons have been recovered and 23 people rescued after a boat with 40 people capsized.