A catastrophic landslide in western Kenya has killed at least 21 people and left 30 others missing, with rescue teams battling heavy rains to locate survivors. The disaster has destroyed over 1,000 homes in the Rift Valley region, displacing countless families and causing widespread devastation.
The landslide struck overnight on Saturday in the hilly area of Chesongoch, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, where persistent heavy rains during Kenya’s short rains season saturated the soil, triggering massive mudslides. Local resident Stephen Kittony described hearing a deafening sound before he and his children fled their home, escaping just in time. The sudden collapse of the ground caught many residents unprepared, leading to chaotic scenes and extensive damage across the community.
Official reports confirm at least 21 fatalities, with 30 individuals still unaccounted for as search operations intensify. The mudslides have obliterated more than 1,000 homes, leaving entire villages buried under debris and rendering survivors homeless. Several key roads have been severed by the landslide, isolating affected areas and complicating access for emergency responders. The Kenya Red Cross is actively conducting assessments and providing critical aid to those impacted by the tragedy.
Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by ongoing heavy rainfall and the challenging terrain, which includes steep slopes and flooded valleys. Military and police helicopters have airlifted dozens of survivors with serious injuries to hospitals in Eldoret City for urgent medical treatment. Despite the adverse conditions, rescue teams worked through Saturday and plan to resume on Sunday, focusing on locating the missing persons. Aerial images released by the Kenyan Red Cross reveal extensive mudslides and flash flooding spanning vast distances, underscoring the scale of the destruction.
The Chesongoch area is historically prone to landslides, with similar incidents in 2010 and 2012 causing numerous deaths and displacements. In 2020, raging floods washed away a local shopping center, highlighting the region’s recurring vulnerability to extreme weather events. These disasters point to underlying issues such as deforestation, soil erosion, and inadequate infrastructure, which amplify risks during rainy seasons and demand comprehensive solutions.
In response, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the government is identifying alternative settlement areas for those displaced by the landslide. Relief supplies, including food, water, and essential non-food items, are being prepared for distribution, with military and police helicopters on standby to transport them. The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting affected communities and enhancing disaster response mechanisms to mitigate future crises.
The ongoing short rains season in Kenya raises concerns about further landslides and floods, emphasizing the broader impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Authorities are advising residents in high-risk zones to evacuate to safer locations and are implementing temporary measures to ensure public safety. This event highlights the urgent need for long-term strategies, such as reforestation, improved drainage systems, and community-based early warning systems, to build resilience against natural disasters and protect vulnerable populations.