Heavy rains triggered a massive landslide in Kenya’s western Rift Valley on Saturday, killing at least 21 people and leaving more than 30 missing. The disaster struck the hilly Chesongoch area in Elgeyo Marakwet County after days of relentless rainfall during Kenya’s short rain season.
Authorities reported that mudslides destroyed over 1,000 homes, cutting off several key roads and isolating communities. The government confirmed that helicopters airlifted 30 severely injured survivors to a hospital in Eldoret City for treatment.
Residents Describe Chaos and Fear
Local witnesses said they heard a roaring sound before the hillside collapsed. Families fled in panic as mud and debris swept through their homes. “We ran in every direction,” one resident said, describing the moment the ground gave way.
Emergency workers battled through persistent rain to search for missing people. Rescue teams dug through collapsed houses and thick mud as the rain continued to fall. Disaster response agencies coordinated efforts to reach trapped residents in remote parts of the region.
Government Plans Relocation for Survivors
Officials warned that Chesongoch remains vulnerable to future landslides. The area has a tragic history of similar disasters, including deadly slides in 2010 and 2012, and floods in 2020 that destroyed a local shopping center.
Kenya’s Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the government will identify new settlement areas for displaced families. He assured residents that rescue operations will continue until every missing person is accounted for and all survivors receive shelter and support.
