Families count losses as heavy rains wreak havoc in Murang’a

In Kagina village, Kibutha area of Kangema constituency in Murang’a County, a family is counting losses after a late-night landslide destroyed their home, reducing their belongings to rubble. They survived by a whisker.

The roof that was above their heads moments before tragedy struck on Saturday night is now beneath a mound of soil, a mound as heavy as the burden of building afresh, wondering where to even begin.

They say the ground above them gave way suddenly, forcing them to flee in the darkness.

“Nyumba imelaliwa na mchanga vitu zingine kama chakula vitanda zote zimelaliwa huko ndani,” says Chege Muritu, a resident.

Joyce Wanjiku, another resident, adds: “Hii mvua ni ya Mungu na inaonekana itaendelea kunyesha na ilikuwa na ngurumo na radi…''

Local Administration has warned residents against building homes on lower ground, saying it puts lives at risk during landslides

“Watu waangalie mahali penye wanakaa ndio mvua ikinyesha wasije wakaathirika,” says Naomi Wambui, the area assistant chief.

The impact of the rains has affected significant infrastructure, with Kanyenyaini - Tuthu road being rendered impassable due to a massive landslide at the Kigumo area that has completely cut off access.

This has posed serious risks for road users.

Paul Mbaru, a resident of Kagina, says, “Kuamkai asubuhi kuingia hapa barbara haipiti vile mumeona imekuwa mambo ngumu sana.”

Meanwhile, in Isiolo, where tragedy struck after flash floods swept away a vehicle at the KMC bridge during Friday’s heavy downpour, the body of the driver, Paul Gitonga, was recovered several kilometres downstream in an area known as Lowangishu.

Search and rescue teams are still combing the area for another missing individual believed to have been swept away in the same incident. Soko Mjinga and Safi Estates have also been hit hard by the floods.

“Nyumba tatu zimebomoka ukienda pande hii kanisa na pia shule ata hatuelewi hapa tutaishi aje,” says resident Cyprian Mbuthia.

The Isiolo County Government is urging residents to remain alert.