Woes facing the residents of West Pokot County who were affected by the Saturday, November 23 landslides deepened, after a lorry transporting relief food was involved in an accident on Wednesday, November 27, 2019.
The area's Governor John Lonyangapuo broke the sad news via Facebook, where he revealed that the lorry had overturned after a bridge it was crossing collapsed.
According to the governor, the bridge was the only way to access the Sigor-Kitale-Kapenguria-Lodwar Highway which connects West Pokot to Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
"A lorry transporting foodstuff to victims of landslides in Tamkal has overturned after Marich Bridge collapsed. This was the only bridge connecting Sigor to Kitale-Kapenguria-Lodwar Highway, Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties," Lonyangapou informed.
Chepera Bridge was swept away on the fateful Saturday night.
The governor made an appeal to the national government to airlifting basic needs to the affected areas, especially Parua and Muino.
Officials from the county confirmed that no one was injured in the accident that left motorist and aid agencies en-route to distribute food and non-food items to the affected families stranded as they had to cut short their journey.
Lonyangapou had earlier in the day announced that the county government had received donations from well-wishers and corporates.
He flagged off the donations from Kapenguria.
"I flagged off donations today from well-wishers for the victims of landslides which occurred. The donations are Al Khair Foundation, Business Community of Kapenguria Municipality, Kitale Woolshop, Kagaba Company, employees of Kapenguria Supermarket and Galilee Centre Hospital in Kitale led by Dr Kasembeli.
"Yesterday (Tuesday, November 26) I received Ksh2.5 million from FCDC and was delivered by governors Ali Roba, Mohamed Mohamud and Stanley Kiptis. World Vision has also brought basic items for the affected. I acknowledge Kenya Redcross team which has been on the ground since the fateful night," the governor added.
The county head further stated that since the weather had improved the affected areas could be accessed via helicopters.
"Today is sunny and I believe military choppers will help deliver food, clothing and medical supplies to Muino and Parua. The two areas have been cut off completely and only accessible by air. Furthermore, specialised equipment is needed to retrieve bodies from the hard to reach areas, even as cases of missing persons remains unresolved," Lonyangapuo concluded.
