Tragedy has struck Bomet County as two men were carried away by floods on Thursday, April 10, 2025, evening while they attempted to cross a wooden bridge in Kiprichait village.
According to accounts, the two middle-aged men were coming from a funeral when they decided to cross the bridge, unaware of the poor condition of the bridge.
The Bomet County Police Commandant Edward Imbwaga stated that one of the men slipped and fell into the raging waters, and as the other attempted to rescue him, both were carried away by the powerful current.
The search for the two bodies was hampered by the heavy rains experienced in the county.
However, locals have launched a search operation as efforts continue to recover the bodies.
How the Two Men Drowned
According to the area chief, David Rotich, the two men were not familiar with the local terrain and were not aware that the bridge they decided to cross was partially submerged.
However, the Bomet police Commandant has warned the residents against performing any rescue activity without the help of professional divers.
Also Read:Â Puzzle as Floods Victims Avoid Govt Accommodation After Food Offer
Bomet County Residents Issues Plea
In 2020, the county’s Department of Roads was in the limelight for constructing a pedestrian bridge with only bricks.
The bridge, constructed at Chemagel ward caused unrest among the residents who questioned the safety of the bridge.
In 2018, Bomet County government allocated Ksh8.4 million for Chepkositonik bridge construction only for a contractor to build a box culvert-like structure.
Further, the residents in Bomet have complained about the bridge that is connecting the larger Kebumbur, Cheptabaach villages and Kaptien and raising concerns that the bridge has become dangerous.
According to residents, the bridges are used by schoolchildren as they connect between neighboring villages.
Also Read:Â Floods, Heavy Traffic Jam in Nairobi as Long Rains Start
Kenya Met Warns of Heavy Rainfall
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) predicted that several regions across the country will continue to experience rainfall between April 8th and 14th, 2025.
In the forecast one of the counties that is set to experience heavy rainfall is Bomet which is in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley.
Other Counties include Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori and Naro.
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