Karua mourns Kenya Red Cross volunteer, calls for action on flood deaths

Samuel Wanyonyi Wangila/HANDOUT

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has paid tribute to veteran Kenya Red Cross volunteer Samuel Wanyonyi Wangila, who died on March 3, 2026, while attempting to save a boy who had drowned in the Mbagathi River, Nairobi.

In a heartfelt message, Karua acknowledged Wangila’s bravery and expressed solidarity with his family.

“To Joan his wife and the entire Wangila family, your grief is seen and shared,” she said.

The tragedy comes amid widespread flooding in the country that has claimed more than 59 lives. Karua used the moment to highlight the urgent need for preventive measures.

“Even as we stand with these families in mourning, we must ask, how many more lives must be lost before action is taken? One preventable death is one too many. Samuel Wangila was one too many,” she said.

Karua’s comments underscore growing concerns over the impact of extreme weather events and the need for stronger disaster preparedness and response.

Her words were both a tribute to Wangila’s selflessness and a call to action for authorities and communities.

Samuel Wangila was among Kenya’s most experienced aqua rescue volunteers. The Kenya Red Cross Society said he lost his life responding to an emergency at the Highrise area along the Mbagathi River.

A young boy had drowned, and Wangila had gone to retrieve the body when he was overcome by the river’s strong currents.

The Kenya Red Cross praised Wangila’s dedication. “For over 15 years, Samuel served across the country with courage, professionalism and an extraordinary commitment to saving lives. He was among our most experienced and dependable aqua rescue volunteers. In 2025, he received the Special Recognition Award at the Volunteer Awards for his work in aqua rescue nationwide,” the organisation said.

Beyond emergency deployments, Wangila played a key role in training and mentoring other volunteers, strengthening the Red Cross’ capacity to respond to water-related emergencies.

Colleagues remembered him as courageous and professional, always ready to answer the call to serve, regardless of the circumstances.

Karua reflected on this dedication in her message. “May Samuel rest well, and to every family that lost someone to these floods, may you find comfort during this difficult time, may you find answers, and may your loved ones rest in eternal peace,” she said.

Kenya has faced repeated flooding in recent years, leaving communities vulnerable and highlighting gaps in early warning systems and emergency response. Karua’s statement calls attention to these challenges and demands action to prevent further loss of life.

The Kenya Red Cross extended its condolences to Wangila’s wife, family, friends, and fellow volunteers, saying it stands in solidarity with them during this period of mourning.

“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with his wife, family, friends and fellow volunteers during this profoundly difficult time. We stand with them in mourning a life lived in service to others. Rest in peace, Samuel. Your legacy lives on in every life you saved,” the organisation said.

As of Friday 13, the death toll from had risen to 62, with Nairobi recording the highest number of fatalities, authorities said on Friday.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that 46 men, eight women, and eight children have lost their lives since the devastating rains swept through the country.

Nairobi has reported 33 deaths, followed by the Eastern region with 17 and the Rift Valley with seven.

Nyanza and the Coast have recorded two deaths each, while Central Kenya has reported one fatality.

The ministry said the increase in casualties comes as rescue teams continue to search affected areas and assess the scale of destruction.