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Kenya: Chesogon Tragedy – State Deploys KDF for Search, Rescue

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6 years ago

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The government has deployed soldiers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to search for dozens of people still missing following tragic flash floods in Chesogon along the Elgeyo-Marakwet-West Pokot border.

The soldiers have taken over the search and rescue mission as local leaders asked for urgent humanitarian support for over 4,000 people displaced by the floods and mudslides.

On Wednesday morning, President Uhuru Kenyatta said he had ordered for deployment of the soldiers.

“We have acted quickly to help those affected. We have sent the soldiers to the areas to assist in rescuing those who have suffered most during this time,” he said during a pool interview with journalists from various radio stations at State House, Nairobi.

On Tuesday, Kenya Red Cross officials said they had found two more bodies, raising the number of those killed to 14.

Over 20 people are still missing following last Saturday’s tragedy that totally destroyed Chesogon shopping centre.

Rift Valley Regional Coordinator George Natembeya said the search for the missing would go on.

He visited the affected areas accompanied by local leaders including Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary Jebii Kilimo.

“We appreciate the efforts by the government to find those missing. We have seen the police officers and the KDF here. This is a serious tragedy,” said Ms Kilimo.

CHILDREN MISSING

Meanwhile, the search for people still missing entered its fourth day on Wednesday with residents saying they were yet to find 17 school-going children since the Saturday tragedy.