The year 2024 was marred by tragic disasters that led to the heartbreaking loss of lives across the nation.
These catastrophic events ranged from natural calamities to building collapses, leaving behind a trail of pain and grief for many families.
In this article, Nairobileo.co.ke highlights the major disasters that shook the nation in 2024 and claimed innocent lives.
Mai Mahiu floods tragedy
In April 2024, a devastating landslide struck Mai Mahiu in Nakuru County, claiming the lives of over 50 people. The tragedy was triggered by heavy rainfall that had been pounding many parts of the country at the time.
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Distraught families recounted to the media the heartbreaking loss of loved ones and property as the floodwaters swept away villages.
Search and rescue operations were launched, with Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers collaborating with organizations such as the Kenya Red Cross to assist affected families.
For weeks, the KDF and volunteers tirelessly dug through the rubble, helping families search for their missing loved ones.
President William Ruto visited the disaster-stricken area, offering his condolences to the affected families.
He assured the residents that the government would provide aid to help them rebuild their lives and recover from the tragedy.
Makueni floods tragedy
On Friday, April 26, tragedy struck Makueni County after at least nine people were killed in Kwa Muswii River.
The victims were onboard a truck loaded with sand, which was swept away by floods while trying to cross the swollen river.
A video seen by Nairobileo.co.ke at that time showed the truck carrying more than ten people trying to cross the flooded river but was swept away by the raging waters.
The victims were drowned in the roaring waters as residents in the area watched helplessly.
The victims had boarded the truck after hours of being stranded at the banks of the Kwa Muswii River as they waited for the waters to subside for them to cross.
Bungoma building collapse
In May 2024, at least five people were killed after an abandoned building in Kanduyi market, Bungoma County, collapsed, trapping them inside.
The building was initially demolished halfway by the Bungoma County administration to allow the renovation of the Masinde Muliro Stadium ahead of the 2024 Madaraka Day celebrations.
The halfway demolition left the incomplete-storey building unstable and posed a danger to the members of the public.
According to reports, the trapped individuals had gone to scavenge metals and iron steel from the building before it came down.
Miritini wall collapse
Five people, including a pregnant woman, were killed on December 2 after a wall collapsed on them during a funeral in KCC Miritini area, Jomvu, Mombasa County.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred at around 2:00 p.m. on the fateful day when the mourners sought shelter from rain near the wall.
It was then when the wall came down, killing four people on the spot while another died while receiving treatment in a hospital.
Locals told the press that it was not the first time the wall, which belonged to a private company, collapsed as an earlier similar incident left a number of people critically injured.
Shauri Moyo excavation site collapse
At least four people were killed and several others injured after an excavation site collapsed at Shauri Moyo in Nairobi on September 13, 2024.
Confirming the incident, National Police Service (NPS) spokesperson Resila Onyango said the individuals were constructing a sewer line at the site before it collapsed.
Kenya Red Cross noted that three people were rescued and taken to Mama Lucy Hospital following a joint operation involving the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade and the Kenya Police.
