Three people are still feared trapped under massive soil following a landslide at Kimende Escapement, Lari subcounty, Kiambu County.
The incident occurred last night where several homes near the escarpments were covered by falling soil fragments.
The victims, who were reportedly on their way home, were caught off guard by the sudden event.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi who today visited the site as rescue operations ramped up said the search for the missing people is being coordinated by the Kiambu County Emergency Response Team in collaboration with Kenya Red Cross Society.
“Together with the County Disaster Response Team, we have visited the area to assess the situation and assist affected residents as the operation to find the missing continues,” stated Governor Wamatangi.”
Wamatangi further called on residents living in areas identified as dangerous and prone to landslides to move to safer places.
“The county government of Kiambu will be offering humanitarian assistance to all those affected by the natural disaster,” he added.
The recent surge of heavy rainfall across the country has been attributed as the primary cause of escalating incidents of landslides in the country.
Motorists and other road users plying the Kimende-Matathia Road have been urged to seek alternative routes.
Last night’s incident happened barely a fortnight after the Kenya Meteorological Department warned of potential landslides in different parts of the country.
In response to the crisis, Lari MP Joseph Mburu Kahangara has mobilized resources, stating, “I have tasked all machinery deployed along MauMau road to rush and assist in the operation.
He urged reidents to be patient as the search for the missing persons continue
“The recovery operation along the Kimeñde-Matathia road, following yesterday’s massive landslide, has commenced this morning and the operation is being spearheaded by the Kiambu County Commissioner” Kahangara said.
The Kenya Red Cross declared the Kimende escarpment a danger zone.
By John Kariba
