Daijiworld Media Network - Nairobi

Nairobi, Nov 2: At least 21 people lost their lives and more than 30 others remain missing after a devastating landslide struck the Marakwet East region in western Kenya late Saturday night, authorities confirmed.

The tragedy occurred following relentless heavy rains that have battered the region during Kenya’s ongoing rainy season, triggering widespread mudslides and flash floods.

Kenya’s Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the grim toll, saying, “We have confirmed the loss of 21 people to this tragedy, while over 30 people are still unaccounted for as reported by their families.” He added that search and rescue operations had been temporarily suspended for the night due to dangerous conditions on the ground.

The Kenya Red Cross shared harrowing aerial visuals of the affected areas on X (formerly Twitter), showing vast stretches of land buried under mud and debris. The humanitarian agency said it was working closely with the government to coordinate rescue missions, including emergency air evacuations for the injured.

“Access to some of the affected areas remains extremely difficult due to flooding and blocked routes,” the Red Cross stated, underscoring the challenges faced by rescuers in reaching remote villages cut off by landslides.

Local officials said rescue efforts will resume at first light, with hopes of finding survivors trapped under mud and debris. Several homes are believed to have been swept away as the earth gave way under torrential rains.

Western Kenya, known for its hilly terrain, has been one of the hardest-hit regions this season, with weather authorities warning of continued rainfall and potential landslides in the coming days.

President William Ruto is expected to visit the disaster zone, while the government has ordered emergency relief and medical assistance for the displaced families.