14-seater matatu swept away by floodwaters in Samburu

SCREENGRAB

A 14-seater matatu was swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross the Basilinga River in Samburu at around 11:45 am on Tuesday.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, all 14 passengers on board are safe and have been accounted for, although the vehicle remains stuck in the river.

"The incident has disrupted transport along the route, with vehicles and passengers stranded on both sides as they wait for water levels to subside," Kenya Red Cross said.

Authorities have not indicated when normal movement will resume, as rising water levels continue to affect accessibility in the area.

The incident comes amid ongoing heavy rains being experienced in several parts of the country, with rivers swelling rapidly and rendering some roads impassable.

The incident comes amid a broader flood crisis affecting several parts of the country, with authorities reporting a rising number of fatalities and widespread disruption.

The death toll from ongoing floods in Kenya has risen to 110, the National Police Service (NPS) has said, as multi-agency teams remain on high alert to respond to the crisis.

In an update issued on March 30, 2026, the NPS confirmed that five additional fatalities had been recorded.

The NPS said it is working closely with emergency and disaster response agencies to manage the situation. Teams on the ground are continuing with evacuation efforts and interventions aimed at protecting lives and property in affected areas.

“The National Police Service, in collaboration with emergency and disaster response agencies, remains fully deployed and on high alert to mitigate the effects of ongoing flooding in affected areas,” the statement said.

Although rainfall has reduced in intensity in some regions, authorities warned that the threat of flooding remains high. This is due to saturated ground and overflowing drainage systems, which continue to pose risks even in areas where rains have subsided.

Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant, particularly in flood-prone and previously affected areas. The NPS emphasised that cooperation between residents and emergency personnel is critical in ensuring safety.

“The public is urged to cooperate fully with officers and emergency personnel on the ground, as coordinated efforts are critical to ensuring safety,” the statement added.

The floods have disrupted daily life in several parts of the country and increased the risk of secondary hazards, including road accidents. Motorists have been cautioned to exercise extra care, especially during periods of reduced visibility and on waterlogged roads.

Earlier, the NPS had warned that “residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas should remain particularly alert, adhere strictly to official advisories, and be prepared to take timely action, including evacuation if necessary.”

The crisis has also led to widespread displacement. As of March 27, at least 2,795 households had been affected, with more families forced to leave their homes due to rising water levels.

Authorities have stressed that the situation requires sustained awareness and a coordinated response from both the public and relevant agencies.

“The increasing frequency and intensity of adverse weather in various parts of the country have created a situation that calls for sustained awareness and coordinated response from the public and responsible agencies,” the NPS said.