Six Kenyans risked their lives to rescue a 14-year-old girl trapped in the middle or raging flood waters in Korogocho, Nairobi County.
The minor held onto a tree in the middle of the floodwaters until she was rescued by a team of six who formed a unit in an impressive mission that saved the girl’s life.
In a video shared by local media, the girl is seen clinging to the tree as a crowd watched from a distance on the banks of the flooded Nairobi River.
The six held onto each other and waded through the flooded river to withstand the force of the water and save the girl in an incident that occurred on April 23, 2024.
When they reached the girl, one man walked over and grabbed her while the other five helped him stay steady using a long stick to brace against the water’s force.
Rescuers Narrate Incident
Justus Obwina, one of the rescuers, explained that they followed the footsteps of the person with the stick to avoid stepping on stones and deep areas.
“We were six people; we held our hands and we decided to save the girl. The person who was in front had a long stick that he was using to check the depth of the water and stones. So, the rest followed his footsteps until we got to the girl,” Obwina said.
Obwina emphasized the importance of teamwork during such instances, adding that one person could not have saved the girl alone.
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“When we come together as a community, we can achieve something but when you are alone you can’t,” he added.
Eyewitness Regina Kanino said the rescuers consisted of a group of local bodaboda operators who teamed up to save the girl’s life.
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“One of them had a long stick which he was using to test the depth of water. He was stepping on the areas he dipped the stick and the others followed. When they reached the girl one of them placed the girl on his back and they walked back just like they came,” said Regina Kanini.
Also Read: Church Leaders Ask Govt to Intensify Relief Efforts for Floods Victims
Floods Victim Families Appeal for Help
However, 28-year-old Michael Macharia and Lawrence Munji who were the first responders to the girl’s cries for help were swept away by the floods before they could reach her.
“I received a phone call that my son had been swept away by the floods. I went to the scene and confirmed it was true. There were two people, and they were trying to help a girl who was trapped in the floods. He was swept away while the girl was later rescued,” said Alice Wanjiku, Macharia’s mother.
Locals are still saddened by the disappearance of the two men, calling on the government to assist in search operations to find their bodies dead or alive.
“Lawrence was swept away in the process of saving the girl and I have not seen him until today. I am pleading with the government to help us look for our children whether they are dead or alive. We will be grateful when we find them,” said Alice Wangaro, Lawrence’s mother.
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