Reports indicate that numerous families have been displaced, and property worth millions severely damaged, prompting urgent calls for assistance and vigilance among residents to avoid calamity in Kangema constituency
With the Kenya meteorological Department issuing warnings of potential flooding in certain areas due to the heavy rainfall, local authorities have urged citizens to remain alert and prepared for further emergencies.
One family is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating landslide that struck their home on Saturday.
The landslide obliterated their house and all household items, leaving them in a state of shock and despair.
Recounting the harrowing experience, Brian Chege described how the earth suddenly gave way, forcing them to flee for their lives.
“On Monday evening, the earth gave way and one side of the house was obliterated; fearing further damage we moved to my mother’s house which is also not safe owing to its close proximity to the area that the landslide occurred,” he said
“At 5am Saturday, as rain continued to pound, we heard loud tremors and with that the rest of the house was damaged and fully covered by soil.”
While the family was grateful that no life was lost in the incident, they find themselves in a precarious situation, fearing additional landslides on the remaining parts of their farm, which has left them feeling like ‘beggars of shelter.’
“My son has a young family and I have seen him build his life from doing menial jobs. This house was only three months old and now everything is gone, as nothing was saved, from household goods to furniture and even electronics,” says Chege’s mother, Joyce Wanjiku.
Notably, her house was also on the verge of sinking, as wide cracks were visible on the ground surrounding it.
The family has called on the local government and well-wishers for assistance so as to rebuild their life as they move to a safer ground.
The impact of the ongoing rains is not limited to individual homes; significant infrastructure has also been affected as well.
At the Kigumo area, the Kanyenyaini-Tuthu road has been rendered impassable due to a massive landslide that hit the area on Saturday and has completely cut off access.
This disruption poses serious risks for road users, as the blocked route creates hazardous conditions and complicates transportation for residents.
“We only heard loud tremors with the earth vigorously shaking at dawn only for us to wake up to a road cut off with trees and other vegetation moved to the opposite side; we have never seen anything like this before,” John Mwangi said.
“We have been forced to take longer detours and this being a tea zone, even delivering our leaf to the collection center is tedious, adding to our daily challenges.”
The local authorities have emphasized on the importance of vigilance among residents to avoid loss of life.
“If you live in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas, kindly move to safer grounds as a precaution.”
“And report any signs of landslides immediately, as early detection can save lives and minimize damage,” said Naomi Wambui, the assistant Chief Kibutha for sub location.
As a quick response to the ongoing crisis, affected families have received food donations and basic commodities from the government.
“The family is in dire need of help and what we have delivered today is first aid in terms of food essentials and beddings before we embark on a permanent process of helping them rebuild their lives,” said Wallace Waiguru from the M.P. Kanyenyaini office.
He also thanked the members of the community who had offered the affected families the much-needed support of sheltering them noting that community and government intervention are essential as families begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding their lives after the devastation.
By Florence Kinyua
