Residents of Kamketo village in West Pokot County were plunged into mourning after a young mother, Caroline, and her baby were swept away by raging floodwaters on the night of Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The incident occurred while Caroline was returning home from the Kamketo trading center. Rescue teams and community members immediately launched efforts to retrieve the victims. While Caroline’s body was recovered, the baby’s remains are still missing, leaving families and neighbors in anguish.
According to local resident Loyop Enoch, the tragedy has reignited calls for infrastructure improvements in the area. He urged local authorities to construct a bridge connecting Kamketo and Kasei, warning that the absence of safe crossing points exposes residents to life-threatening dangers during heavy rains. Neighbors and community groups are also working to locate and notify the deceased woman’s relatives, offering support in this difficult time.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief on social media and within local WhatsApp groups. Community members expressed sorrow for the double loss, with messages of condolences and prayers for the family. The tragedy highlights the ongoing vulnerability of West Pokot residents to seasonal floods, emphasizing the need for urgent government action to provide safe infrastructure and emergency preparedness to prevent further loss of life.