By Victor Njuru
Two people have been confirmed dead in the Kapchebogel area of Baringo after a landslide swept their house away on Tuesday night. A police report filed under ‘landslide incident’ at Kabartonjo Police Station on Wednesday noted that three homes were destroyed.
Three individuals have also been reported missing, with Saimo location chief Benson Amdany Sumukwo stating that the incident occurred in the middle of the night. According to the area chief, three men are still missing, while four others have been rescued so far.
In one of the affected homes, Zakayo Ruto, his wife Gladys Chepkangor, and their 13-year-old son were swept away. Another resident of Kapchebogel village, Samuel Chesaro, was rescued after his house was swept away.
“There were heavy rainfall accompanied by thunders, but the tremors intensified, that we woke thinking it was an earthquake, that’s when we realized it was a landslide,” a resident narrated.
A third homestead, belonging to the late Isaac Kimuge, was also destroyed but was unoccupied at the time.
Search efforts began on Tuesday night in the affected area, with authorities urging locals to move to safer grounds to prevent further loss of life. The Kapchebogel, Kapkombe, and Kasisit areas remain at high risk of additional mudslides if the rains continue.
Rescue efforts continued on Wednesday in hopes of finding those still missing. Authorities had previously warned locals to evacuate hilly areas.
This comes after a landslide on July 29 affected the Kasoiyo-Tenges-Saos tarmac road in the Borowonin area of Baringo County. In response, the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) temporarily closed the 57.1-kilometre road.
“Motorists are advised to use alternative routes such as Tenges-Kabsenet-Kaptipsokon-Kituro and Tartar-Kabasis-Bosin during the approximately two-week closure,” announced KeRRA.
They also announced plans to work with security personnel to guide traffic at the entry points of the road in Kasoiyo, Baringo Central, and Saos, Koibatek Sub-counties to minimize risks.
Heavy rainfall continues to affect many regions, prompting officials to urge motorists to exercise caution, ensure their headlights are functional, and avoid speeding, particularly at night or during foggy conditions.
The road is a vital link between Eldama Ravine and Kabarnet, the County Headquarters. Locals are calling for regular inspection and maintenance of the road, which was constructed in 1985 and is now in urgent need of rehabilitation.