Four injured as heavy rains destroy hotels, homes in Kisumu and Vihiga

Four hotels were destroyed, while dozens of makeshift structures were flattened, leaving traders counting their losses and struggling to salvage what remained of their businesses.

In Vihiga County, the strong winds destroyed three houses and flattened crops, leaving residents of Em'machika village in shock.

The latest weather forecast indicates that heavy rains are expected to continue in various parts of the country, including the Coast and Lake Victoria Basin.

It is a race against time for traders at Dunga Beach as they come to terms with the destruction. While some are trying to reinforce their structures before the next downpour, others have been left with debris scattered across the ground.

What began as heavy rains on Sunday evening quickly escalated into strong winds that left four people injured and property destroyed.

Josephine Ondiek, a trader at Dunga Beach, described how the weather changed within moments, leaving people stranded.

Another trader, Emmanuel Otieno, said the winds were so intense that residents feared they would not survive.

Fransisca Odhiambo said her house was destroyed during the incident, while an electricity pole also collapsed, forcing residents to flee for safety.

“Nyumba ilibomoka, stima ikabomoka chini, tukatafuta tu njia ya kutoroka,” she said.

In Vihiga County, residents of Em'machika village also suffered damage as strong winds and heavy rains flattened farmland, destroyed houses and brought down other structures.

Joseph Ondere, a resident, said he was forced out of his home after the roof was blown away.

Wilberforce Kuta said a fallen tree had brought down an electricity line, raising concerns over safety in the area.

“Mti imeangukia wire ya stima, sasa hali imekuwa mbaya. Tunaomba Kenya Power ikuje itusaidie tuwe na security,” he said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department had issued alerts over heavy rains, strong winds and thunderstorms during the past week, warning residents in areas including the Lake Victoria Basin of possible destruction.

The latest forecast has also projected another spell of heavy rains, leaving affected residents awaiting urgent assistance from disaster management authorities to help them recover and prevent further losses.