Death and destruction as floods sweep through Kenyan villages

Heavy floods persistently ravage properties while also causing damage to roads and infrastructure, disrupting transportation services in numerous counties.

In Muranga County on Sunday night, under the cover of darkness, a landslide buried homes in Kiganjo Village, resulting in the tragic deaths of six individuals, including two adults, a youth, and three minors.

Stephen Kimani, a resident of Kiganjo, expressed shock at the events, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the tragedy.

The relentless rains continued to pound other parts of the country throughout Sunday night, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction in Nyandarua.

Isaac Muraguri, a resident of Nyahururu, recounted being summoned around six o'clock yesterday by a young man seeking help for his parents who were buried under debris and trees. Despite efforts to rush them to the hospital, they succumbed to their injuries before arrival.

In Machakos County, floods persist in causing havoc, displacing many families from areas like Kwa Muswii, Kwa Mangeli, Kwa Nzomo, Jua Kali, Kinanie, and Lukenya, totaling over a thousand displaced individuals.

Bennadette Kalekye, a resident of Machakos, highlighted the need for heightened vigilance, especially concerning children's safety in schools amidst overflowing streams.

John Kilonzo, CEC for Gender, Sports, Youth, and Social Welfare in Machakos, mentioned the collapse of eighty-two houses due to rain in Katelembo, prompting immediate government intervention.

Infrastructure has also suffered, with transport in Turkana County paralyzed after the Kapenguria-Lodwar highway was submerged by floods. Motorists and passengers faced extensive delays on Monday, with disruptions extending to business activities between West Pokot and Turkana counties.

Mohammed Waswa, a driver from Kitale to Turkana, lamented the deteriorating condition of the road, likening it to a route to Sudan.

Peter Ibuya echoed concerns over the deteriorating road conditions, indicating potential communication breakdowns between Lodwar and Kitale if immediate action is not taken.

In Homa Bay County, severe flash floods over Sunday and Monday resulted in fatalities and property destruction in Sindo Town, Suba South Constituency. Four people are confirmed dead, while search and rescue operations continue for the missing individuals.

Numerous households were washed away in the disaster, with substantial agricultural losses reported.