Mudslide In Kenya Rift Valley Claims Five Lives, Officials Blame Heavy Rains And Deforestation For Disaster

Nakuru, Kenya— A mudslide swept through a village in Kenya's Rift Valley on November 1, 2026, killing five people after heavy rains saturated steep slopes and collapsed homes built on unstable ground.

The slide occurred at dawn in Elgeyo-Marakwet County. Residents said rain had pounded for three nights. The hillside above Chesoi village gave way, sending mud, boulders and uprooted trees into a cluster of houses. Five people, including two children, were buried inside.

Local chiefs and Kenya Red Cross volunteers arrived first. They dug with hands and shovels. By midday, all five bodies were recovered. Two other people were pulled out alive with broken limbs. Dozens more fled to a primary school on higher ground.

"The ground was soaked. We heard a loud crack and then mud came fast. People shouted to run but some were still sleeping," a village elder said near the debris field. He said 12 homes were destroyed and farmland was covered.

Rift Valley mudslides are frequent during long rains. Deforestation for charcoal, overgrazing, and farming on steep slopes increase risk. This year, rainfall totals are above average. The Kenya Meteorological Department warned of more slides.

County government declared the area a danger zone and ordered evacuation of 50 households. The Kenya Defence Forces were placed on standby to help with heavy equipment. Roads leading to the village are blocked by fallen earth.

Health officials warned of water contamination. Springs used for drinking water are now muddy. Clinics reported cases of diarrhea and respiratory infections from dust and damp. Aid groups distributed blankets and food.

Families of the dead held a small ceremony Saturday afternoon. Local leaders said burial assistance will be provided. The county will conduct mapping of other high-risk slopes next week.

Weather forecasters said heavy rains will continue for another two days. The national disaster operations center urged residents in landslide-prone areas to move to safe shelters.

The search is now focused on ensuring no one else is missing. The hillside remains unstable and cordoned off.