Three Feared Dead as Floods Sweep Away People at Ruai Bypass After Heavy Rains in Nairobi
At least three people are feared dead after being swept away by raging floodwaters at the Ruai Bypass in Nairobi, following heavy overnight rains that left large sections of the city submerged and paralysed transport across key routes.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday morning, has once again drawn attention to the dangers posed by flash floods in low-lying and poorly drained areas of the capital. Witnesses at the scene described chaotic moments as fast-moving water overwhelmed the busy junction, turning the road into a river.
“The first person attempted to cross but was swept away by the water. A second person tried to rescue, but was also swept away. This happens here every year,” one eyewitness recounted, highlighting recurring concerns about the safety of the stretch during heavy rains.
In a separate but possibly related incident, residents in the Roysambu area reported discovering the body of a woman in a trench between Zimmerman and Githurai 44. Preliminary accounts suggest she may have been carried there by floodwaters, although official identification and cause of death were still pending at the time of publication.
The flooding followed hours of intense rainfall that pounded Nairobi on Monday night and continued into Tuesday morning, leaving roads submerged and disrupting movement across several neighbourhoods. Areas including Utawala, Parklands, and Westlands were among the hardest hit, with residents reporting water flowing into homes and compounds.
Public transport operations were significantly affected, particularly within the central business district, where traffic gridlock brought movement to a near standstill. Commuters were stranded for hours as matatus and private vehicles struggled to access major roads.
Beyond Nairobi, the impact of the rains extended to surrounding areas such as Juja, where sections of the Kimbo-Matangi Road in Theta were rendered impassable after vehicles became submerged in floodwaters.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced the closure of the Iten-Kabarnet Road following a landslide near Kolol, further illustrating the widespread disruption caused by the ongoing rains.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the current weather pattern is expected to persist, with heavy rainfall forecast across multiple regions. “Heavy rainfall will continue in Nairobi and several other parts of the country, with a likelihood of flooding in vulnerable areas,” the agency cautioned.
Counties expected to experience continued rainfall include Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kakamega, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Turkana, and Marsabit.
“Towards the end of 2026, a likely El Niño signal is projected, with a 58 to 61 per cent probability of El Niño conditions dominating from June to December,” the report stated.
As emergency teams continue search and rescue operations, authorities have urged the public to exercise caution, avoid flooded areas, and remain alert during periods of heavy rainfall. The incidents underscore the urgent need for improved drainage systems and disaster preparedness measures in flood-prone urban zones.
ALSO READ: KeNHA Closes Iten-Kabarnet Road After Landslide as Floods Wreak Havoc Nationwide
Three Feared Dead as Floods Sweep Away People at Ruai Bypass After Heavy Rains in Nairobi
