This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
Heavy rainfall in Murang'a County has led to a devastating landslide in Githambo village, Kiharu Constituency, which has left tea farmers counting their losses.
According to residents, a loud bang was heard at around 2am on Tuesday, with trees and tea bushes being swept away by the landslide.
Mr Stephen Kabuthia, a tea farmer, lost his tea farm and trees, as well as his home and a nearby school being left in a precarious situation.
"We are counting losses since we depend on the tea to feed our families. The trees which we sell to compliment the tea business and the napier grass for our cows have also been affected," Mr Kabuthia said.
Assistant County Commissioner Patrick Wasomga warned that about 12 homes and a school near the landslide area are at risk of being swept away.
"We have about 12 homes and a school which are near the scene where the landslide occurred. We have cordoned off the area and marked it as a dangerous one and the sub-county disaster committee will be sitting the give the way forward because the occupants will have to vacate the area for their safety," Mr Wasonga said.
County Director of Meteorology Paul Murage attributed the high rainfall in the area to the ongoing rains, which have caused soil saturation and made the areas prone to landslides.
"Our team assisted by the media has continued to create awareness among our people and this has really assisted in saving lives," he said.
