Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has declared that the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway is now closed.
Through a statement on his social media, The Governor stated that the rains that occurred overnight and on Thursday had rendered many places inaccessible.
He added that the road was closed because Athi River at Mto ya Mawe had broken its banks and flooded the highway.
[caption caption="Flooding in Machakos County"]
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"As it is right now, the water is rising. Our emergency assessment is that the highway will be cut off until tomorrow," he stated.
"We urge those traveling towards Machakos and Mombasa to either postpone their trips or to use Kangundo road - Koma road to Machakos - then Konza road to Malili or Machakos road to Kyumvi ," he advised.
[caption caption="Governor Alfred Mutua's tweet"]
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Governor Mutua advocated for caution among the residents stating that the authorities were expecting more rivers in the county to break their banks.
" All those that are near river banks should move to higher ground to avoid being victims of floods at night," he conveyed.
He further warned: "The expected "wajuaji" drivers who will try to cross closed roads will be arrested and locked up for their own good and that of their passengers."
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) advised motorists to avoid the Stoney Athi Bridge for their own safety.
"Traffic already in the vicinity of the Stoney Athi Bridge on A8 is advised to vacate the area by turning back to use alternative routes or temporarily defer the trip. This will allow room for intervention by heavy equipment if necessary," the statement reads in part.
[caption caption="Statement by KENHA"]
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