Several families in Kagina village, located in the Kibutha area of Kangema constituency, are counting heavy losses after a series of devastating floods and landslides ravaged their homes and key infrastructure over the weekend.
In the dead of night on Saturday, tragedy struck when a powerful landslide tore through the village, burying homes under tons of mud and debris. One family narrowly escaped death after their house was reduced to rubble by the sliding earth. What was once their safe haven now lies buried beneath a thick mound of soil — a haunting reminder of nature’s fury.“The roof that was above our heads just moments before is now buried. We don’t even know where to start,” said one of the victims, still shaken by the ordeal.
Elsewhere in the area, floods have left several other households homeless, and key roads impassable. Maumua Road, a crucial link for the community, has been cut off in several sections due to rising waters.
Meanwhile, a massive landslide along the Kanyenyaini-Tuthu road at Kigumo has made the route completely inaccessible, posing serious risks to road users.“Kuamka asubuhi kuingia hapa barabara haipiti vile mumeona. Imekuwa mambo ngumu sana,” lamented Paul Mbaru, a local resident, as he surveyed the damage.
Local authorities have now issued urgent warnings to residents living in flood and landslide-prone areas, urging them to move to safer ground. Assistant Chief Naomi Wambui stressed the dangers of building homes on lower elevations.“Watu waangalie mahali penye wanakaa ndio mvua ikinyesha wasije wakaathirika,” she said.
With heavy rains continuing to pound various parts of the country, Murang’a remains one of the hardest-hit counties. Communities are now grappling with loss, displacement, and uncertainty as they await further support from government agencies and humanitarian groups.
Local leaders have called for swift intervention to restore access, assist affected families, and enhance disaster preparedness to mitigate future risks.
