West Pokot County was struck by a devastating landslide on Monday, leaving at least 52 people dead and more than 20 still missing, authorities confirmed. The disaster struck in the early hours following heavy rainfall that destabilized slopes near several rural settlements. Rescue teams from the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, and the Kenya Red Cross were immediately deployed to recover survivors and retrieve bodies, as locals joined in frantic search efforts. Villagers described a scene of chaos and destruction, with homes buried under mud and debris, and many families left displaced and traumatized.
The landslide comes amid a pattern of increasingly severe weather events in Kenya’s Rift Valley, where West Pokot is located. The area is prone to flash floods during the rainy season, and many homes in the affected region are constructed on vulnerable slopes. Eyewitnesses reported hearing rumbling sounds as mud and rocks cascaded down hillsides, engulfing houses and farmland. Rescue teams faced difficult conditions, navigating slippery terrain and unstable soil, while community volunteers formed chains to dig through the wreckage. Governor Simon Kachapin confirmed that temporary shelters have been arranged for survivors, and pledged to coordinate with national agencies to support recovery efforts.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and calls for action from residents and national leaders. Social media platforms were flooded with condolences, as Kenyans across the country expressed sorrow and solidarity with the victims’ families. Religious leaders have urged communities to pray for the missing, while experts warn that the disaster underscores the need for improved disaster preparedness and early warning systems in flood-prone counties. Looking ahead, local authorities are considering long-term measures, including infrastructure improvements, slope stabilization projects, and resettlement of high-risk settlements, in a bid to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.