Kenya: Landslides destroy houses, displace families

A number of families in Kenyenya District have been displaced after landslides destroyed their houses.

Kenyenya DC Kaburu Kaimbaleft with Bomachoge MP Simon Ogari

Two of the houses belonging to the same extended family in Botaranda in Mokubo sub-location were marooned during the incident.

A section of the road near Botaranda bridge was destroyed, temporarily disrupting transport along the busy Kenyenya-Etago Road.

Two other families at Moteiribe village were also forced to vacate their homes following floods.

Kenyenya DC Kaburu Kaimba confirmed the incident, saying he was visiting affected areas to assess full extent of the damage.

Similar landslides hit Kiagware and Nyasasa areas in neighbouring Gucha South two weeks ago, displacing over 130 households.

Kenya Red Cross and Ministry of Special Programmesofficials have already delivered humanitarian aid to affected families camping in three separate primary schools.

Flagging off the consignment, Kisii County deputy governor Joash Maangi and Kisii Central DC Philip Soi thanked the Government for responding quickly to alleviate the suffering of affected families.  “We are grateful for this gesture from the Government. A number of people have been spending nights in the cold after their homes were destroyed. Food in stores and crops in farms were damaged in the rains creating a crisis,” said Maangi.

Three centres

In Nyakach and Nyando districts, hundreds of families camping at three centres received food and non-food aid from Plan International, a non-governmental organisation.

Over 250 households camping at Gem Rae, Ombaka and St Alloys Gem Primary schools received maize, beans, cooking oil, blankets and water treatment kits from the organisation. Acting Programme Unit Manager for Plan International, Kisumu, Elizabeth Ogweno said expectant women, children and the elderly were the worst affected by the flood situation.

“Floods deprive families of rights to live dignified lives, security and food. We have moved in to alleviate immediate suffering and in the long term, we shall partner with the county government and other organisations to seek lasting solutions to this problem,” she said.

By KENAN MIRUKA, The Standard

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