Tragedy came knocking on our doors on the night of May 9 with the collapse of a mega dam in the Solai area of Kabazi Ward, Nakuru County. Torrents of raging waters and debris tore into people’s homes and claimed 47 lives. The community of Kabazi is still mourning the deaths of our relatives, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

We remember our departed brothers and sisters for their strong spirit; they lived honorable and peaceful lives, eking a productive living from the vast plains and ridges of Solai. Some of the victims worked in farms around the area, others went to schools in the region and a number ran various small businesses.

We mourn the young, promising lives of the 14 children who died in the tragic incident that has disrupted numerous lives and livelihoods, and left anguish that will linger in our hearts and minds for years to come.

From the office of Dr Peter Mbae, the MCA for Kabazi Ward, and on behalf of the entire Kabazi Ward fraternity, we commiserate with the families of the deceased. We thank all individuals and organisations across the country who stood with us in thought and in prayer, and appreciate the donations of food and non-food items. God bless you for making the burden lighter on us.

We appreciate the support from the Government, and the interest the President and Deputy President took in the matter. We thank the teams that spent long hours running various relief operations. They include the Rift Valley Regional Co-ordinator, Deputy Inspector General, Senior Interior Ministry, KDF and other officers from the disciplined forces, the County Government of Nakuru and its elected leaders, the county police and AP commanders, divisional officers, the National Disaster Management Unit, Red Cross and World Vision officers. We thank the hundreds of volunteers and the media for helping us keep the nation informed. We pray to God for strength and request our friends, partners and Kenyans of goodwill to walk with us as we embark on the reconstruction of Solai.