NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 6- Survivors of the River Enziu tragedy in Kitui County say they are lucky to be alive but have to live with painful memories of losing their loved ones.
One family lost more than 10 relatives, among them a child.
By Monday, 32 bodies had been recovered from the river while at least 21 people were rescued.
One minute, a section of the group was joyously belting out tunes they would sing at the wedding, but in the other, they were fighting for their lives. The majority lost the battle.
“I heard the fading voice of people calling the name of Jesus. Then it was all dark and silent,” one of the survivors, Collins Oluodo said.
Other survivors say the rescue coordination was poor, as they either had to wait too long to get first aid or were asked for money by first responders, to be helped to cross over to safety.
“It is time we train all police officers on disaster management,” he said.
The bus was taking a church choir and other travelers’ 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,” Kitu Governor Charity Ngilu 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.”
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
