On Tuesday, September 2, a tragic incident unfolded in Nakuru, Kenya, as a man identified as a catechist at St. Patrick’s Church lost his life in a flood while riding his motorbike home from work. The man, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, was navigating through what seemed to be a routine journey when the unexpected happened. The floods, which had been caused by heavy rains in the area, overwhelmed the roadways, creating perilous conditions that quickly turned fatal.
As the catechist attempted to make his way home, the rising waters proved too strong, sweeping him and his motorbike away. The tragic news of his death was first learned by his family and friends through a WhatsApp group. A relative, who was part of the group, recounted the moment they realized something was wrong. “We were notified through a WhatsApp group. When we saw the picture of the motorbike he normally used, we rushed to the scene and found him already dead,” the man said. The news was devastating to the local community, particularly the congregation at St. Patrick’s Church, where the catechist had served faithfully.
The incident underscores the dangers that heavy rains and flooding pose to residents in various parts of Kenya, especially in areas like Nakuru, which are prone to such natural disasters. Nakuru Deputy Commissioner Omar Ali responded to the incident by urging residents in flood-prone areas to exercise extreme caution during periods of heavy rainfall. His cautionary statement comes at a time when many parts of the country are experiencing unusual and severe weather patterns, leading to an increased risk of flooding and other related disasters.
The tragedy in Nakuru was compounded by reports of sinkholes appearing in the region as a result of the heavy rains. Videos circulating online showed concerned residents gathered around a large sinkhole filled with rainwater. Such geological phenomena are not uncommon in areas with heavy rainfall, but they add an additional layer of danger to already hazardous conditions. The appearance of sinkholes, combined with the threat of floods, has left residents on high alert, wary of the potential for further disasters.
The unfortunate passing of the Nakuru catechist is not an isolated incident, as similar tragedies have occurred elsewhere in the country. In an earlier incident, Ruai base commander Cyprian Kasili met a similar fate when floods swept his car away in Machakos County. Kasili was traveling near River Kware when the floods overtook his vehicle, submerging it in the river. The incident was reported to the KBC Police Station in Matungulu sub-county on Wednesday, May 1, leading to a swift response from local authorities. Officers rushed to the scene, where they eventually retrieved Kasili’s body and took it to Patjud Funeral Home. Efforts to recover the submerged vehicle continued even after the officer’s body had been found.
Kasili’s death highlighted the vulnerability of even the most prepared and experienced individuals to the unpredictable forces of nature. Before his tragic end, Kasili had served as an officer in Lodwar and had only recently been promoted to base commander in Ruai in November 2023. His sudden death was a stark reminder of the lethal potential of floods, a threat that is all too familiar to Kenyans living in flood-prone regions.
In the wake of these tragic events, there is a growing call for increased awareness and preparedness in areas susceptible to flooding. Local authorities are emphasizing the importance of heeding weather warnings and taking necessary precautions to avoid such devastating losses in the future. As Kenya continues to experience the impacts of climate change, which has led to more frequent and intense weather events, the need for robust disaster management strategies has never been more urgent. The deaths of the Nakuru catechist and Ruai base commander serve as somber reminders of the real and present dangers posed by natural disasters, and the vital importance of community preparedness and resilience.
