Deadly Landslide in Kenya Claims Dozens of Lives, Search Ongoing for Missing

At least 21 people died and more than 30 remain missing after a deadly landslide hit western Kenya on Saturday. Heavy rains triggered the disaster in East Pokot County, highlighting the country's growing vulnerability to extreme weather events during the rainy season.

Interior Minister Kipshumba Murkomen confirmed the casualties on X, saying "We have confirmed 21 people have died in this tragedy, while more than 30 people are still missing according to their families." The landslide struck the East Marakwet area, where search and rescue operations had to stop overnight due to dangerous conditions.

Kenya faces these disasters regularly during its rainy seasons, which typically run from March to May and October to December. The country's mountainous terrain and poor drainage systems make communities especially vulnerable when heavy rains hit. Rural areas like East Pokot often lack early warning systems or proper infrastructure to handle sudden flooding and landslides.

This latest tragedy comes as East Africa deals with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. Scientists link these extreme events to climate change, which brings more intense rainfall followed by severe droughts. For Kenya's economy, these disasters strain government resources and disrupt agricultural production that millions depend on for their livelihoods.

Search teams will likely resume operations at first light, but the high number of missing people suggests the death toll could climb significantly. Kenya's disaster management agencies often struggle with limited equipment and difficult terrain during rescue operations, especially in remote areas where roads become impassable after heavy rains.