Six people, including two adults, a youth, and three minors, died on Sunday night after their houses were hit by a landslide in Kiganjo village of Gitugi ward, Mathioya Sub County.
During the 11 p.m. incident, the landslide affected three homes, destroying land of about three acres.
The deceased, including a man and his wife, a mother and her three children, who were sleeping in different houses when the incident occurred, with the rescue exercise hindered by the heavy downpour which was experienced in the area.
The landslide that also left scores of livestock dead occurred a few metres from where another incident happened four years ago.
Officials of the Kenya Red Cross, who led the rescue exercise, have called upon residents of the locality to move to safer areas as the region continues to receive heavy rains.
The County Red Cross Coordinator, Immaculate Iteba, said they are accessing the area as they advise locals to move and take refuge at the nearby Mutito Polytechnic until the rain subsides.
“It’s unfortunate, as we have removed six bodies from the scene. I urge the local residents to move to the Mutito Polytechnic compound, as they will be provided with safe shelter,” said Iteba.
Gitugi MCA Edwin Mwangi noted that he is working with the County government to move residents who are living in landslide-prone areas to safe places and prevent more loss of lives through such incidents.
“We had an ugly incident which we would not like to witness again. I have gotten in touch with the governor, and plans to move every person who is likely to be affected by the landslides are underway,” he said.
Residents of the area, who started the rescue operation immediately after the landslide occurred, have blamed the county government for the slow response, further pleading with the disaster rescue team to avail themselves swiftly when a calamity occurs.
“This is my home area, and we have never seen such a thing. We are asking our governor to think about our needs as the emergency response team delayed showing up at the scene. Losing such a number in one night is so disheartening, and it has left a section of the locals in fear and distress,” said Stephen Kimani, an area resident involved in the rescue operation.
By Bernard Munyao and Francis Anjilwa
