This archive report was first published on 20 April 2020.
Floods and landslides in Chesegon area along the West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet border have left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of four people and leaving 23 others missing.
Heavy rains on Saturday swept away the connections of more than 350 households, leaving more than fifteen people seriously injured.
Residents are now sleeping in caves and bushes on hills along river banks, with the lucky few sheltering at their kin's homes.
Many say they are not yet receiving any relief, with most aid coming from locals who have taken matters into their own hands.
Water and food are scarce in their makeshift shelters, and basic sanitation is lacking.
As the search for missing bodies continues, all destroyed structures are under mud and water, and the bodies of several people are suspected to be underneath.
Ms Jane Koriatum, who slept with her siblings uphill in the bush, said the floods destroyed all the family's belongings and the crops in the field.
“There is also the threat of snakes. It's a very difficult situation here...We are dying of cold. The rains are still pounding and I fear the landslides might again occur,” she said.
A businessman, Leonard Kiptoo, 30, who is staying with his neighbor, said life has become unbearable.
“The floods washed away all my houses and hotel...sheep, maize, beans, unga that we survived on. Dishes and clothes were washed away. The children had been wearing ripped pairs of shoes in complete poverty. Those shoes were also washed away,” he said.
West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo said they are expecting food and other humanitarian supplies from the government.
He said plans are afoot for victims to stay at Arpollo and Cheputulel Primary and Cheptulel Boys schools.
