Twenty people died after the Patel Dam in Subukia, Nakuru County burst its banks on Wednesday night, sweeping across densely populated villages.

According to Red Cross, tens of people were unaccounted for and 39 rescued. Those who were saved were rushed to Bahati Sub-County and Nakuru Level 5 Hospitals.

Reports indicate more than 2,500 residents were affected after the dam broke its banks sweeping away schools and homes.

The dam is located inside the farm of prominent farmer Mansukul Patel in Solai.

Nakuru  County Governor Lee Kinyanjui stated that his office will do its best to ensure those affected are taken to a safer place.

"We assure residents that we will do our best to take affected families to safety and help them get medical attention," Said Governor Lee Kinyanjui in a statement

An update from Kenyan Red Cross indicates that 10 more bodies have been retrieved, making the number of those who have died to rise to 20 people.