Fifteen adversely affected households from Gitogoto village in Tharaka -Nithi County have been moved to a safer place at the neighbouring Gitogoto primary school.
Speaking after inspecting the destruction, Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner (CC), Ms. Muzne Abdullatif said though only 25 households comprising of at least 200 members, were affected, only the 15 comprising of 65 people were to be moved following the landslides that have brought down a number of houses at the village.
“We have decided to move the 65 adversely affected to the neighbouring primary school to avoid losing lives and properties,” said Ms Abdullatif.
With the pounding rains, she said there is a possibility of the landslides causing more damage, especially on the erected structures, such as houses where huge cracks have started developing.
The CC said the affected will be provided with food and other basic amenities.
“We have already received 200 bags of rice and are set to receive maize and other energy foods, such as cooking oil to give to the residents who will stay there until the rains subsides,” she noted.
The Kenya Red Cross Society County representative, Ms Jerusha Nyaga said the organization will provide the affected people with tents and beddings.
One of the affected, Gikombe Murithi said his cows and houses were on Saturday night covered by mud as a result of the landslide.
“We are living in fear especially during the rainy nights especially, when we feel the earth shake,” said the resident.
The locals, bordering the Mount Kenya forest, pleaded with the government to provide them with a lasting solution, especially by relocating them to better and safer areas, where they can construct houses.
By Fred Muruja
