A massive landslide struck Kenya’s western Rift Valley on Saturday, killing at least 21 people and leaving more than 30 missing. Days of relentless rainfall triggered the disaster in the hilly region of Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County. Authorities reported that more than 1,000 homes collapsed as torrents of mud swept through villages.
The government confirmed that search and rescue operations remain active. “We continue to locate survivors despite the ongoing heavy rains,” officials said.
Survivors Describe Panic and Destruction
Residents said they heard a thunderous roar before mud engulfed their homes. Many fled in panic, running in different directions to escape the collapse. “The sound was terrifying,” one survivor recalled. “We just ran for our lives.”
Rescue teams worked nonstop through Saturday, digging through debris and wreckage to find those trapped. Persistent downpours slowed the effort, but emergency crews continued searching through the night. Helicopters evacuated 30 severely injured survivors to a hospital in Eldoret City.
Government Plans New Settlement for Victims
The government pledged immediate support for displaced families. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen announced plans to relocate affected residents to safer areas. “We are identifying alternative settlement zones to prevent future tragedies,” he said.
Chesongoch has a long history of deadly landslides. Similar disasters in 2010 and 2012 killed dozens, and floods in 2020 destroyed a local shopping center. This latest catastrophe underscores the region’s ongoing vulnerability to extreme weather and unstable terrain.
