The government has announced the formation of a multi-agency team in response to the heavy rains that have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
In a notice issued by the Ministry of Interior on Saturday, November 1, the team will consist of National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), the National Police Service (NPS), the Kenya Red Cross, and relevant ministries to coordinate response, surveillance, and humanitarian assistance across the affected counties.
In addition, Kenyans were urged to exercise caution by avoiding flooded roads and rivers, and relocate from slopes and low-lying areas that are prone to landslides.
While calling for cooperation in coordination efforts, the Ministry also advised Kenyans to follow official updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department, the Ministry of Interior, and County Disaster Units to avert potential danger and ensure their safety during this period.
The message came after a landslide in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on Saturday morning, claimed 13 lives following several days of continued heavy rain.
In images and videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, houses were submerged in and covered by mud. Other houses were seen leaning after being pushed by the mud, with locals stranded awaiting help.
Rescue operations are currently ongoing, with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) dispatched to help with the retrieval and transportation of the injured. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen disclosed that police and military helicopters carrying medical personnel and Red Cross staff had been deployed to assist in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
According to official government sources, a total of 19 survivors have been rescued, while several others injured are receiving treatment at Chesongoch Mission Hospital. Still, the challenge hampering the rescue operations is the occurrence of mudslides along access routes, with the Kapsowar-Chesoi Road completely cut off.
In a separate incident, a 15-year-old boy drowned along River Obonyo in Kapuonja, Kisumu West Sub-county, after being swept away by floodwaters.
In Tana River County, flooding has submerged 67 households in Dhuhush, Lebille, Bultobanta, and Bangale, leading to the death of 170 sheep and goats and one camel. Garissa County has reported the loss of approximately 300 goats in Guthoiarea, Shimbirey Location.
In Kisumu Central and East Sub-counties, more than 340 households in Kaputhe, Nanga, Dunga, Onjweru, Kanyawade, Kaloo, Kodie, Alar, and Kowuore have been affected. Meanwhile, in Laikipia County, 89 households around the Lobere Dam area have been displaced after multiple dams overflowed following heavy overnight rainfall.
In Mombasa, the Mburukenge and KaaChonjo informal settlements have experienced localised flooding, although this has also been linked to an incomplete drainage stormwater project.
The destruction is a result of the ongoing October-November-December (OND) short rains, which have brought moderate to heavy rainfall across several regions, including the Highlands, Nairobi, and coastal areas.
