The government of Kenya has confirmed the deaths of 21 individuals following a landslide in the western region of the country, triggered by recent heavy rainfall.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen stated that the recovered bodies have been transported to a nearby airstrip following the incident in Marakwet East late Friday night.
In a statement released on X, Murkomen indicated that over 30 individuals remain unaccounted for, having been reported missing by their families. Furthermore, 25 people with critical injuries have been airlifted to receive specialized medical treatment.
The Kenyan Red Cross, a key organization coordinating rescue efforts, has reported that the most severely affected areas remain inaccessible by road due to widespread mudslides and flash flooding.
While search and rescue operations were temporarily suspended by the Kenyan government on Saturday evening, authorities have confirmed that they will resume on Sunday.
“Preparations are underway to supply further food and essential non-food relief items to those affected,” Minister Murkomen stated, adding that “Military and police helicopters are on standby to facilitate the transport of these supplies.”
Kenya is currently experiencing its second rainy season, characterized by a period of increased precipitation, though typically less prolonged than the heavier rains experienced earlier in the year.
The government has issued an urgent appeal, urging residents living in proximity to seasonal rivers and areas affected by Friday’s landslides to relocate to safer locations.
In neighboring Uganda, flash flooding and landslides near the Kenyan border have resulted in a number of fatalities since last Wednesday.
On Saturday, the Uganda Red Cross reported a further mudslide in the village of Kapsomo, located in the eastern part of the country, which destroyed a residence and caused the deaths of four occupants.
The Red Cross has indicated that extensive flooding has significantly impacted most villages situated near riverbanks within the Bulambuli District.
According to the organization, continuous heavy rainfall has caused the River Astiri and the River Sipi “to overflow, resulting in widespread destruction of homes, crop fields, and community infrastructure”.
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