Five Killed as Overnight Storm Floods Nairobi, Traps Residents and Paralyzes Roads

At least five people have died after a powerful overnight storm caused severe flooding in different parts of Nairobi. Police say four victims were swept away by rising floodwaters while another person lost their life after being electrocuted during the heavy rains.

The downpour pounded the city late Friday night, quickly filling drainage systems and rivers. By Saturday morning, many estates were submerged and several major roads were difficult to pass. Residents woke up to flooded homes, stranded vehicles and long traffic jams across the capital.

Central Police Commander Philemon Nyakombo confirmed the deaths and said emergency teams were responding to incidents reported across the city. Rescue operations continued through the night as authorities tried to assist people trapped by the rising water.

Low-lying neighbourhoods were the hardest hit. Areas such as Pipeline and Embakasi experienced serious flooding, with sections of Kware Road completely cut off. Water also swept through several informal settlements where drainage infrastructure is limited.

Residents in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Reuben, Viwandani and Kibra reported flooded houses and damaged property. Similar scenes were reported in Mathare, Huruma and Baba Dogo, where families struggled to clear water from their homes.

Flooding was also recorded in estates including South B, South C and Nairobi West. In the eastern parts of the city, Umoja 3, Chokaa, Njiru, Ruai and Utawala experienced rising water levels that slowed movement and disrupted daily activities.

Motorists faced major challenges on several roads. Key routes such as Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road and Mbagathi Way were affected as water covered sections of the roads. Some drivers were forced to abandon vehicles after engines stalled in deep water.

Emergency teams moved quickly to assist those in danger. The Kenya Red Cross said its first responders rescued about 20 people who had been stranded in floodwaters along Kirinyaga Road.

Military units were also deployed to support rescue operations and manage traffic in flooded sections. Officers helped tow vehicles that had stalled near Kariokor after the Nairobi River overflowed.

Authorities are warning residents to remain alert as more rainfall is expected in the coming days. Weather officials say continued downpours could worsen flooding in already vulnerable areas.