Tragic Landslide in Kenya Leaves 21 Dead Amid Heavy Rainfall

Fri Dec 05 2025 04:52:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating landslide in western Kenya caused by heavy rains has resulted in the loss of at least 21 lives, with more than 30 people still missing. Rescue efforts face challenges due to difficult terrain.

Following heavy rains in western Kenya, a landslide has claimed at least 21 lives, with officials reporting over 30 individuals still unaccounted for. Rescue operations, hindered by mudslides and flooding, are underway with military and police support supplying relief aid.

The Kenyan government has confirmed that 21 people have died following a landslide in the western part of the country after heavy rainfall.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen reported that the bodies had been transferred to a nearby airstrip after the landslide in Marakwet East, which occurred late Friday night.

He added that over 30 people are still unaccounted for after being reported missing, while 25 individuals with serious injuries have been airlifted to receive medical attention.

The Kenyan Red Cross, assisting in the rescue efforts, stated that many affected areas remain inaccessible due to mudslides and flooding.

The government paused search and rescue operations on Saturday evening but plans to resume them on Sunday.

“Preparation to supply more food and non-food relief items to the victims is underway,” Murkomen stated, noting that military and police helicopters are on standby for transport.

Kenya is currently in its second rainy season, typically featuring a shorter period of wet weather compared to the heavier rains experienced earlier this year.

The government has advised those living near rivers and in areas prone to landslides to relocate to safer grounds.

In a related incident, severe flooding and landslides in Uganda, near the border with Kenya, have also resulted in multiple casualties since last Wednesday. The Uganda Red Cross reported a mudslide in Kapsomo village which destroyed a house and resulted in four fatalities.

Additionally, recent heavy rains have caused the River Astiri and River Sipi to overflow, leading to widespread devastation of homes, crops, and community infrastructure in Uganda.

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