Kenya Landslide Kills 21, 30 Missing After Heavy Rains; Similar Disaster in Uganda Claims 4 Lives

At least 21 people have died and 30 others remain missing after a devastating landslide triggered by heavy rains struck western Kenya's Marakwet East late Friday, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed Saturday.

The landslide hit the Rift Valley region during the country's short rainy season, destroying homes and infrastructure in Chesongoch. Over 25 seriously injured survivors were airlifted to hospitals, while rescue teams struggled with mudslides blocking roads.

Kenya Red Cross shared aerial images showing vast swathes of mud and flash flooding. The government suspended search operations Saturday evening but vowed to resume Sunday, with military and police helicopters on standby for relief delivery. "Preparation to supply food and non-food items to victims is underway," Murkomen said, urging residents near seasonal rivers to evacuate.

Kenya's west is prone to such disasters; landslides killed dozens in the same area in 2010 and 2012. Heavy rains have battered East Africa this season, exacerbated by climate change.

Uganda's Toll Rises Nearby

In neighboring Uganda, flash floods and landslides have claimed lives since Wednesday. On Saturday, a mudslide in eastern Kapsomo village destroyed a house, killing four inside, Uganda Red Cross reported.

Floods have severely impacted Bulambuli district villages near riverbanks, with Rivers Astiri and Sipi overflowing, destroying homes, crops, and infrastructure. The organization blamed continuous heavy rainfall for the widespread devastation.

Both incidents underscore the growing risks of extreme weather in East Africa, where El Niño effects have intensified seasonal rains. Governments have issued evacuation warnings and deployed relief teams, but access remains challenging.