This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
At least 15 people have lost their lives in the devastating mudslide that hit West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, with the death toll rising after three more bodies were retrieved from the debris on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
According to Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya, a search and rescue operation is still ongoing as 20 people are reported missing.
Heavy rains that caused floods led to the landslide on Saturday night, resulting in the destruction of several homes, a shopping centre, and a police post. A policeman was among the dead.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen had earlier described the humanitarian crisis in the two counties as critical, with women and children forced to camp in schools far off from their homes after moving to higher grounds.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of more rainfall in the region and other parts of the country in the coming days, including the capital Nairobi, where heavy rain was experienced on Monday night.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has assured that the government is working jointly to support those affected by the rains, with President Uhuru Kenyatta directing government agencies to coordinate the movement of people to higher grounds and provide assistance to those already affected.
