Six people died on Sunday at 11 pm after a landslide hit three homes in Kiganjo village of Gitugi ward, Mathioya Sub County.
Among the six are three minors, a youth, and two adults.
The deceased, including a man and his wife, a mother, and her three children, were sleeping in different houses when the incident occurred, with the rescue exercise hindered by the heavy downpour that was experienced in the area.
The landslide that also left scores of livestock dead occurred a few meters from where another incident happened four years ago.
Kenya Red Cross, who led the rescue exercise, have called upon residents of the locality to move to safer areas as the region continues to receive heavy rains.
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Murang’a County Red Cross Coordinator Immaculate Iteba said they are accessing the area by advising locals to move and take refuge at the nearby Mutito Polytechnic until the rain subsides.
“It’s unfortunate, as we have removed six bodies from the scene. I urge the local residents to move to the Mutito Polytechnic compound, as they will be provided with safe shelter,” said Iteba.
Gitugi MCA Edwin Mwangi noted that he is working with the County government to move residents living in landslide-prone areas to safe places and prevent further loss of lives due to such incidents.
“We had an ugly incident which we would not like to witness again. I have gotten in touch with the governor, and plans to move every person who is likely to be affected by the landslides are underway,” he said.
Residents of the area, who started the rescue operation immediately after the landslide, have blamed the county government for the slow response, pleading with the disaster rescue team to avail themselves swiftly when a calamity occurs.
