River Enziu Tragedy: Death Toll Rises To 32 After 9 Bodies Were Recovered

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 6- The death toll following the River Enziu tragedy in Kitui County has risen to 32 after more bodies were recovered.

Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu told journalists that at least 9 bodies were recovered from the river on Sunday, raising the numbers of those who died.

Rescue and recovery efforts were being led by the military, police, and Kenya Red Cross officials.

“The ill-fated bus wreckage is completely out of the river. 9 more bodies have been recovered today (Sunday) bringing the total bodies recovered to 32,” Ngilu said.

The multi-agency team embarked on recovery efforts on Monday morning.

“They just want to ensure there are no bodies that have been left trapped in the river bed,” the Governor told Shahidi News.

The bus was taking a church choir and other travellers to a wedding on Saturday when it keeled over and sank beneath the fast-flowing waters.

The whole incident was captured in a video captured by an onlooker. The driver had tried to navigate a submerged bridge.

At least 12 passengers managed to sneak out of the ill-fated bus before it was completely submerged.

“It is very, very sad indeed. We have lost so many lives,” she said.

It is not yet clear how many passengers were on board when the incident happened. The incident occurred some 200 kilometres from Nairobi.

The bus was swept beneath the churning currents just as it was about to close to the other side.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday sent his condolences to the families of the victims and urged Kenyans to be cautious on roads during the rainy season.

“Once again, the President wishes to remind Kenyans across the country to heed government advisory against attempting to cross swollen rivers, especially during the current rainy season,” read a statement from Kenyatta’s office.

The State House said it will issue measures the Government “is taking to prevent similar mishaps from reoccurring.”