Since March, a total of 181 people have died in Kenyan floods and landslides, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes, according to the government and Red Cross statements on Wednesday.
Moreover, dozens more reportedly died in neighboring Tanzania and Burundi.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura announced early Wednesday that the death toll reached 179, including 15 children, while at least 125 Kenyans were injured.
However, later, two more bodies were found among the debris reportedly said Felix Maiyo, the South Rift Regional Manager of the Kenya Red Cross.
The nation is making great efforts to rescue people. Employees of Kenya Red Cross assisted in the rescue of locals whose homes were swamped by floodwaters in the Kitengela municipality, 33 km from Nairobi. They also attempted to rescue tourists stranded in camps in the town of Narok, 215 kilometers outside Nairobi.
The tragedy prompted Pope Francis to express his condolences to Kenyans at a Vatican general audience on Wednesday.
"I [...] wish to express to the people of Kenya my spiritual closeness at this time as severe flooding has tragically taken the lives of many of our brothers and sisters, injured others and caused widespread destruction," he said.
Earlier, the Kenyan presidency announced that during the visit to the flood-ravaged village of Mai Mahiu, President William Ruto advised victims to relocate to safer areas in order to prevent more fatalities.
He also said that a multi-agency team comprised of the military and all other security agencies has been assembled to help Kenyans residing in such high-risk areas to evacuate.