The Kenyan government has confirmed that 21 people have died following a landslide in the western part of the country after heavy rainfall. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen noted that the bodies have been transferred to a nearby airstrip following the landslide in Marakwet East late on Friday night.
Over 30 people are still unaccounted for, as reported missing by their families, while 25 individuals with serious injuries have been airlifted for medical assistance. The Kenyan Red Cross is coordinating rescue efforts, although many affected areas remain inaccessible due to mudslides and flooding.
While the search and rescue operation was paused on Saturday evening, it is scheduled to resume on Sunday. Preparation to supply more food and non-food relief items to the victims is underway, reported Murkomen, adding that military and police helicopters are ready to deliver the items.
This heavy rainfall period reflects Kenya's second rainy season, typically characterized by lighter precipitation compared to the more intense rain earlier in the year. Officials have warned residents near seasonal rivers and landslide-prone areas to relocate to safer locations.
Additionally, flash floods and landslides in neighboring Uganda have resulted in casualties since last Wednesday. In one incident in Kapsomo village, four people were killed when a mudslide destroyed a house.
The Uganda Red Cross has reported that continuous heavy rainfall has severely impacted several villages, causing rivers to overflow and leading to significant damage to homes and community infrastructure.
