Heavy rains have triggered a deadly landslide in western Kenya, killing at least 21 people and leaving dozens more unaccounted for in Marakwet East constituency, officials say.
The disaster struck late on Friday after intense rainfall saturated the hilly terrain, sweeping homes and farmland away. Kenya’s Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the toll on Saturday and said families had reported more than 30 people missing.
Search and rescue efforts were suspended overnight due to poor visibility and dangerous conditions but are expected to resume at first light on Sunday. Military and police helicopters have been deployed to support local emergency crews.
At least 25 people were seriously injured and airlifted to Eldoret for specialised treatment, while those with minor injuries received care within the community.
The landslide also destroyed major roads in the area, hampering rescue operations and cutting off access to several villages. Authorities say relief supplies are being mobilised as engineers work to reopen key routes.
Kenya has been experiencing unusually heavy rainfall in recent weeks, raising concerns about further landslides and flash floods in high-risk regions.