This archive report was first published on 24 November 2019.
On November 24, 2019, a devastating flood swept through Muino, West Pokot, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake.
Kapel Yaranyang, a 46-year-old father of seven, was left to pick up the pieces after his children were swept away by the raging waters.
Speaking to the Sunday Standard, Mr Yaranyang recounted the events of that fateful night, saying he had left for a church function with his wife and children, unaware of the calamity that would soon befall his family.
“I told them to go and sleep because it was past midnight. We came back at home at 2am only to find that the whole village had been destroyed by floods,” he said.
Tragically, one of his sons was swept away just a few kilometres from their home, and his body was later recovered.
Mr Yaranyang's words were laced with pain and anguish as he described the loss of his children, all of whom were below the age of 20.
“My children were all below 20 year; five girls and two boys. My neighbour’s children were also swept away. We have not managed to get their bodies. It pains me deeply,” he said.
He urged the government to provide temporary housing for the affected families, saying it was the least they could do to alleviate their suffering.
