Two middle-aged men were swept away by flash floods on Thursday evening while attempting to cross a wooden bridge in Kiprichait, Bomet County, amid heavy rains that have pounded the region over the past week.
Bomet County Police Commandant Edward Imbwaga confirmed the incident, stating that the men had been walking along a waterway when they opted to cross a bridge that had been partially submerged due to the rising waters.
Witnesses say one man lost his footing and fell into the swollen river, and when the other rushed to help, he too was caught in the fierce currents.
Area Assistant Chief David Rotich revealed that the two were attending a nearby funeral in the village and were unfamiliar with the local terrain and the dangers posed by sudden flooding in the area.
“This part of Kiprichait is prone to flash floods, especially during the rainy season, but many visitors may not be aware of the risks,” he noted.
Locals quickly organized a search mission, forming human chains and combing the riverbanks, but persistent rain and rapidly rising water levels hampered their efforts.
The search was called off temporarily as night fell and conditions became too dangerous.
“This is a dangerous operation that must be handled carefully and with the help of professional divers,” said Chief Rotich, adding that plans were underway to bring in trained personnel to continue the search on Friday.
The tragedy has reignited calls for the county government to reinforce or replace weak wooden bridges with safer, more permanent structures, and to improve signage and warnings in flood-prone areas.
Residents also expressed concern over the lack of emergency response resources in rural regions like Kiprichait.
As the rains continue, authorities are urging residents and visitors alike to exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing rivers or bridges that appear unsafe.
