Murang’a cautions residents after deadly landslide

The Murang’a County Government has cautioned residents living in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant and move to safer grounds following a deadly landslide triggered by heavy rains in the region.

In a statement issued on Thursday evening, the county government confirmed that one person died following a landslide at Ngutu Village in Gitugi, Mathioya Constituency, as heavy rains continued to pound several parts of the county.

The county expressed condolences to the affected family and said it stood in solidarity with residents impacted by the ongoing rains and related disasters.

“The County Government of Murang’a stands in solidarity with the families and residents affected by the landslides in areas experiencing heavy rains across Murang’a County,” the statement said.

“In particular, our condolences go to Ngutu Village, Gitugi Mathioya, where one life was lost.”

County authorities said they were closely monitoring the situation in affected areas amid fears that continued rainfall could trigger more landslides and flooding in vulnerable areas.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted during this difficult time. The County Government is closely monitoring the situation and will continue looking into ways of reaching out to affected families and communities,” the statement added.

The warning comes after a 45-year-old man was killed when a landslide buried his house following heavy overnight ground movement at Kathungu village in Ngutu Sub-location within Gitugi Ward.

According to police, the landslide struck at around 11 pm on Wednesday, affecting two mabati houses.

The deceased’s two-bedroom house was completely submerged in mud, while another house occupied by his parents was partially damaged. His parents escaped unhurt.

Villagers joined efforts to retrieve the man’s body from the debris and mud before police arrived at the scene.

The body was later moved to Kiriaini Mission Hospital mortuary, awaiting postmortem examination as investigations continue.

The fatal incident occurred in Ngutu area, Gitugi Ward, where about 200 households have been displaced and are set to be relocated to safer grounds until the rains subside, as the area remains at risk.

Other areas in Gitugi Ward, including Karung’e, Kanjahi and Kahwai, have also been affected by landslides.

Families have also been displaced and property destroyed in Gaikime, Kiagima, Kiambuthia, Kagioini and Kora areas of Kiru Ward.

The landslides have affected more than 200 people in parts of Kiru Ward and left a trail of destruction, including flattening Kamagogo Full Gospel Church in Kamacharia Ward.

In Wahundura area, at least one family was displaced and property of unknown value destroyed.

Local authorities have been running awareness campaigns urging residents living in high-risk areas to relocate temporarily to avoid further tragedies.

Residents in low-lying and high-risk areas were urged to remain alert and take precautionary measures to avoid further loss of life and destruction of property.

The county government concluded its statement with a message urging residents to remain cautious during the ongoing rainy season.

“Stay safe. Stay alert,” the county said.