13 Dead as Heavy Rains Cause Landslides and Floods Across Kenya

At least 13 people have died after a landslide hit Machember Sub-location in Mukurtwo, Elgeyo Marakwet County, following heavy rains on the night of October 31.

The Interior Ministry confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams struggling to access areas blocked by mudslides.

So far, 19 survivors have been rescued, and several injured people are receiving treatment at Chesongoch Mission Hospital. 

Roads such as the Kapsowar–Chesoi route have been completely cut off, forcing authorities to deploy aerial support to help with evacuation, medical care, and monitoring of affected areas.

In a separate incident, a 15-year-old boy drowned after being swept away by floodwaters along River Obonyo in Kapounja, Kisumu West Sub-county. 

Flooding has also affected Tana River County, where 67 households were submerged in Dhuhush, Lebille, Bultobanta, and Bangale.

Livestock losses included at least 170 sheep and goats, as well as one camel. In Garissa County, around 300 goats were lost due to flash floods in the Gutho area of Shimbirey Location.

In Kisumu Central and East sub-counties, over 340 households in Kaputhe, Nanga, Dunga, Onjweru, Kanyawade, Kaloo, Kodie, Alar, and Kowuore were displaced. 

Laikipia County also saw 89 households near Lobere Dam forced to evacuate after multiple dams overflowed due to heavy overnight rainfall. 

Meanwhile, in Mombasa, localized flooding hit informal settlements such as Mburukenge and Kaa Chonjo, worsened by incomplete drainage systems.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rainfall is expected to continue across several regions, raising the risk of more flash floods and landslides, particularly in hilly and riverine areas.

A multi-agency response team—including National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), the National Police Service, Kenya Red Cross, and other government agencies—is coordinating relief, evacuation, and humanitarian efforts in affected counties.

The Ministry of Interior urged the public to exercise extreme caution, avoid flooded roads and rivers, and relocate from slopes and low-lying areas prone to landslides. 

Citizens are advised to follow official updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department, County Disaster Units, and the Ministry of Interior to stay safe during this period.