At only 29, Simon Mwangi had achieved the dream of home ownership, securing a permanent residence for his wife and two young children on a plot of land he had purchased three years ago in Sagre village in Mai Mahiu.
But in a cruel twist of fate, the horrific flash floods that hit three other villages on Monday swept away everything the boda boda operator had worked for.
Over Sh2 million worth of investments vanished in the deluge, leaving his family’s future hanging in the balance.
Before the incident, Mwangi’s family was preparing to welcome a new member into the family in about two weeks’ time and he had even invited his sister-in-law to their home to take care of his expectant wife.
According to Mwangi, the night of the tragedy unfolded suddenly. As the family slept, a deafening blast shattered an otherwise peaceful night.
“Before we could get out of bed to establish what had happened, a powerful river of water carrying huge boulders had brought down one side of the walls and swept us out of the house,” Mwangi recalls.
He was rescued by villagers and rushed to hospital with cuts and bruises all over his body. He was stabilised by medics.
However, the first thing he wanted to know was whether his family had survived. The news he received was both a relief and a miracle — his expectant wife, children, and even his unborn baby were all safe and sound.
Despite the immense loss of property, including his motorcycle, livestock, and household items, Mwangi is lucky to be alive and is counting his blessings.
Naivasha Sub-county Hospital medical superintendent Bernard Warui told Nation Mwangi’s wife is recuperating well.
“She is safe together with her unborn child,” Dr Warui said.
The five family members are among the 41 people who were rushed to the hospital on Monday morning after being rescued from the deadly floods that swept across four villages in Mai Mahiu.
At least 51 people were killed and over 100 families were displaced from their homes.
