Even as Kenyans come to terms with the Covid-19 pandemic, many have found themselves dealing with an entirely different crisis after deadly floods and mudslides wreaked havoc in various parts of the country.
At least four people were confirmed dead, among them a police officer, and several others missing after heavy rains triggered a mud-slide at the Elgeyo Marakwet - West Pokot border.
While the worst-hit counties so far are Narok, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot, the Meteorological Department had warned Kenyans in several counties to brace themselves for heavy rains.
In a number of Nairobi's informal settlements, for instance, new food drives have been launched by well-wishers to help residents, with the heavy rains making it even more difficult than it already was for many low-income earners to access a daily wage.
The aftermath of the floods that hit Chesegon offered the clearest picture into the immense suffering brought about by the mudslides.
What used to be a busy shopping centre at Chesegon near the Elgeyo Marakwet-West Pokot border, was left an unrecognizable shell of itself, with only debris standing guard as a lonely witness to a once-thriving centre of commerce.
Bullet-proof vests found near what used to be a police station confirmed that law enforcement officers were among those missing.
In an even more heart-wrenching case, a three-year-old child was buried alive in Pambanik village, Narok South Sub-County on Saturday, April 18.
In Naivasha town, an unidentified man is believed to have been swept away by raging floodwaters on Saturday, April 18 after his body was recovered floating in a trench.
According to Sub-County Commander Samuel Waweru, the victim might have slipped and fallen inside an open tunnel at the Industrial Area estate.
The weatherman had on Friday, April 17 predicted that rainfall of more than 30mm was expected in parts of Western, Central, Nairobi and Coast regions.
Among the counties identified as likely to be hit hard by the heavy rains are Mombasa, Lamu, Tana-River, Taita Taveta, Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kwale, Kilifi, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo and Samburu.
Others are Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru, Narok, Migori, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Vihiga, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Turkana, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Garissa, and Nakuru counties.
Residents of these areas had been advised to stay vigilant and watch out for signs of floods or mudslides.
"Residents are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lightning strikes," Kenya Meteorological Department Director Stella Aura had stated.
She also cautioned that strong winds of 20 knots and large waves of two metres would accompany heavy rainfall at the Coast.
"The heavy rains, large waves and strong winds offshore may result in storm surges along the coast, hence fishermen and all in the Marine industry should be on high alert," she stated.
Sample more photos and video on the floods below:
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