The homesteads of 89 families in Murang’a County have been affected by the ongoing rains, the Red Cross has confirmed.
Among them are 30 families from Kiganjo Village in Mathioya Sub County who are currently hosted at Ngutu Primary School.
The families were shifted after their area was hit by a landslide on Sunday, leaving six people dead.
The County Red Cross Coordinator, Immaculate Iteba, noted that apart from those hosted in the rescue camp, the other nine families were displaced after their houses were destroyed by the rains and were being hosted by relatives and neighbours.
Itabe added that in Kangema sub-county, 30 families have also been displaced after their houses were destroyed, and the victims are hosted by relatives.
“The homes of 30 families in Kangema Sub County have been destroyed, and the owners could not continue staying in the compound as those affected have been advised to seek shelter from relatives,” she added.
The coordinator noted that Murang’a East was also affected, and 11 homes were destroyed, forcing the residents to be hosted by relatives and neighbours.
She said the Red Cross, assisted by the ACK Church and Dreamup Organisation, helped to move Kiganjo residents who were affected by the landslides.
“At the camp, we ensured the residents had food and sleeping items, among other necessities. As the school opening date draws near, we are considering relocating the victims to the furthest side of the school compound so as not to interfere with learning,” explained Iteba.
She further said they were still monitoring the situation in other counties, noting that infrastructure, especially roads, have adversely been affected by the rains.
“We have teams on the ground assessing situations and providing advice to those living in high-risk areas. We are working to ensure we don’t lose more lives through landslides or flooding,” she stated.
Elsewhere, County Meteorological Director Stanley Kinyua observed that many parts of the county would continue receiving rains until the end of June.
Kinyua warned that the soils are heavily saturated, and this could cause landslides in steep areas. “Some terrains in this county are steep, and we advise the locals to be on the lookout for possible landslides. Drivers plying routes within the county need to be cautious as some sections of local roads have also been blocked partly by mudslides,” he added.
Kinyua noted the county has received more than normal rains, saying average to above-normal downpour would continue to be witnessed in many parts of Murang’a.
By Bernard Munyao
