Story by Linda Makau,
Several people are feared dead after heavy mudslides swept away homes in parts of Elgeyo Marakwet County following a night of torrential rains.
The mudslides, which struck on Friday night, have caused widespread destruction in Korou Sub-Location, with at least two deaths confirmed in Kakibigen and Morror areas. Local reports indicate that several others are still missing, while many families have been displaced.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the mudslides hit Moror Village and Chesongoch Centre, leaving multiple people injured.
“A landslide following heavy overnight rains has hit Moror Village and Chesongoch Centre, Elgeyo Marakwet County, leaving many people injured. Our response team has been activated to respond, assess the situation, and support those affected,”
the Kenya Red Cross said in a statement.
Rescue efforts are currently underway, with teams from the Kenya Red Cross, the county government, and local police working to reach affected areas and evacuate residents trapped by the debris.
The region has experienced persistent heavy rainfall over the past few days, increasing the risk of further landslides and flooding. Authorities are urging residents in landslide-prone zones to move to safer ground as rescue operations continue.
This tragedy comes amid broader concerns over climate-related disasters in Kenya’s highland regions, where deforestation and unstable terrain have made communities increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Aerial views show the extent of destruction in Chesongoch after heavy overnight rains triggered a landslide and flash floods.
Kenya Red Cross teams, working with the National and County Governments, are coordinating rescue and relief efforts, including air evacuations for the injured and support to affected families.
