Fatal Landslide in Kenya Claims 21 Lives Amid Torrential Rains

Sun Nov 02 2025 12:21:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating landslide in western Kenya has resulted in the loss of 21 lives following extensive rainfall, with many still missing and rescue operations underway.

The Kenyan government has confirmed that 21 individuals died due to a landslide in Marakwet East after heavy rains. With over 30 reported missing and many injured, rescue efforts are complicated by access issues caused by ongoing flash floods and mudslides. The government has paused search operations temporarily but plans to resume. Neighboring Uganda faces similar disasters, with several fatalities resulting from flooding.

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 stated that the bodies had been transferred to a nearby airstrip after the incident occurred in Marakwet East late on Friday night. He reported that over 30 individuals remain unaccounted for, following family reports of missing persons, while 25 injured individuals have been airlifted for medical care.

The Kenyan Red Cross, assisting with rescue efforts, mentioned that several affected areas are still inaccessible due to mudslides and flash floods.

The search and rescue operations were temporarily paused on Saturday evening but are set to resume on Sunday. Murkomen noted that preparations to supply additional food and essential items to the victims are ongoing, with military and police helicopters on standby.

Kenya has entered its second rainy season, characterized by periodic heavy rainfall. The government has advised individuals living near seasonal rivers and in areas hit by landslides to relocate to safer locations.

Additionally, Uganda has suffered from flash floods and landslides, leading to multiple fatalities since Wednesday. The Uganda Red Cross reported a recent mudslide in Kapsomo village, which destroyed a house and resulted in four deaths.

Heavy rainfall has caused rivers like the Astiri and Sipi to overflow, leading to widespread destruction of homes, crops, and community infrastructure in affected districts like Bulambuli.