President William Ruto has flown to Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County to visit flood victims.

Speaking after interacting with the victims, Ruto promised that the victims would be given aid including food, medicine and other amenities.

“Kama serikali, tutahakikisha watu wa Mai Mahiu wamepata msaada mbadala; watapewa chakula, madawa, blanketi na mattress ili tupunguze uzito ambao wako nayo,” Ruto said.

This comes hours after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura revealed that 45 lives were lost and 73 other Kenyans injured.

“Yesterday, there was a sad incident of mudslide in the Mai Mahiu area in Nakuru County. It is unfortunate that we lost 45 lives from the incident and 73 other Kenyans were injured and are being treated at different health facilities in the area,” Mwaura said.

Mwaura said the government would pay for all their hospital bills.

“The government appeals to doctors and other health workers to resume their services in order to assist their fellow citizens and not to prioritize financial interests during this emergency situation,” Mwaura added.

In the last 24 hours, 66 fatalities have been reported including nine adults in Tana River, three adults in the Eastern region, four adults and three children in the Central Region, 42 adults and 1 child in Nakuru, Narok and West Pokot counties and two adults and two children in Hama Bay County.

“These cases raise the cumulative number to 169 deaths since the onset of the ongoing March-April-May (MAM) long rains. Once again, the government sends its most sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their loved ones,” Mwaura added.