Flood-hit Kenya pays tribute to victims of dam burst

Mai Mahiu, Kenya: Thousands of people paid tribute Thursday to the 61 people killed last month when a makeshift dam ruptured in central Kenya, followi...

Mai Mahiu, Kenya: Thousands of people paid tribute Thursday to the 61 people killed last month when a makeshift dam ruptured in central Kenya, following heavy rains that have plunged the country into turmoil.

The tragedy near the Rift Valley town of Mai Mahiu was the deadliest single incident during a particularly brutal rainy season that has claimed 257 lives and displaced almost 55,000 households since March in the East African nation.

The disaster struck before dawn on April 29, when torrential downpours burst the dam, sending torrents of water and mud gushing down a hill.

The deluge cut off a road and washed away homes, devastating the village of Kamuchiri and killing 61, according to local MP Jane Kihara.

Thousands of people -- victims' relatives, residents as well as political leaders -- gathered to honour the dead in Mai Mahiu, a few kilometres from the scene of the tragedy.