Devastating Landslide in Kenya’s Rift Valley Kills 21, Dozens Missing as Heavy Rains Batter Region
A massive landslide struck the hilly area of Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Western Kenya, on Saturday, claiming at least 21 lives and leaving 30 people missing. The disaster followed several days of relentless heavy rainfall that has saturated the region. Over 1,000 homes were destroyed, leaving many families homeless and sparking widespread panic among residents.
Rescue efforts have been ongoing despite continued rainfall. Disaster response teams and local volunteers have been working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped under the rubble. Authorities confirmed that 30 seriously injured victims were airlifted to a hospital in Eldoret for emergency treatment. Residents described hearing a thunderous roar before the ground gave way, forcing many to flee their homes in terror.
The Chesongoch region has a tragic history of similar disasters, with deadly landslides recorded in 2010 and 2012, and severe flooding in 2020 that swept away local businesses. Kenya’s Home Affairs Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is assessing safer relocation sites for affected families and promised long-term measures to prevent future tragedies in the landslide-prone area.
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