Landslide kills 21, leaves 30 missing in western Kenya

At least 21 people were killed and 30 others went missing after a massive landslide hit Kenya’s western Rift Valley region on Saturday, following days of heavy rainfall during the country’s short rains season.

The disaster struck the hilly area of Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet County, destroying more than 1,000 homes and cutting off several roads.

Authorities said 30 people with serious injuries were airlifted to a hospital in Eldoret City for treatment.

Local resident Stephen Kittony told Citizen Television that he heard a loud rumble before fleeing his home with his children, each running in different directions to escape.

Rescue operations continued through Saturday despite the ongoing rains, as emergency teams searched through the mud and debris for those still missing.

Chesongoch, known for its steep terrain, has experienced similar tragedies before — deadly landslides in 2010 and 2012 claimed dozens of lives, and floods in 2020 swept away a local shopping center.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is working to relocate affected families to safer ground.