A middle aged man was rescued by a helicopter from Kilundi in Wamunyu location, Mwala sub county, that was rapidly getting submerged by the swelling river.
According to Mwala OCPD Mr. Henry Rukaria, the man had gone grazing at the island despite the strict warning that had been passed to the people by the authorities over and over again.
"The man had no idea that heavy rains had started pouring upstream thus making the river swell blocking the thin path he had used to get to the island. The people who saw him from the banks called the police and a rescue team arrived in time and rescued the man using an helicopter," explained Mr. Rukaria.
The man's cattle however could not be rescued and were therefore left there as the people watched the water submerge the area little by little.
All these came just a week after OCPD Rukaria sent a strict warning for people to avoid the area and the River Athi banks, as well as avoiding sending children to fetch water from the river by themselves. He also warned residents to avoid swimming or fishing.
OCPD Rukaria accused the people of getting used to the helicopter rescues and taking them as a joy ride an act which he highly criticised. The also asked those living near the river banks to vacate to safer grounds.