By Bonface Mulyungi
At least 18 people have died following a series of landslides triggered by heavy rains in parts of the country, as authorities warn of escalating risks linked to the ongoing wet weather.
The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement issued on Sunday, May 3, 2026, said the fatalities were reported in Tharaka Nithi County, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, and Kiambu County, where mudslides have devastated communities, displaced families, and destroyed property.
Rising death toll and destructionPolice said the landslides have caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, leaving many residents homeless and in urgent need of assistance.
The death toll, which currently stands at 18, is expected to remain under review as search and rescue efforts continue in affected areas. This is a rise from the previous 10 that had been announced by the police earlier.
“As the country continues to experience sustained and heavy rainfall, the National Police Service continues to call for heightened caution amid increasing disaster risks in several regions.
Recent reports indicate that mudslides have occurred in Tharaka Nithi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Kiambu Counties, severely affecting multiple families, displacing households, and causing significant damage to property and infrastructure,” the NPS stated.“The National Police Service has confirmed the loss of 18 lives as a result of these incidents, underscoring the grave danger posed by the ongoing weather conditions.”Authorities described the situation as dire, warning that the persistent rainfall continues to increase the likelihood of further disasters, particularly in landslide-prone regions.
Multi-agency response underwayEmergency teams drawn from multiple government agencies have been deployed to the affected counties to respond to the crisis.
The teams are engaged in search and rescue operations, evacuating residents from high-risk zones, distributing emergency relief supplies, and assessing areas vulnerable to further landslides.
Officials say efforts are ongoing to locate missing persons and prevent additional casualties.
Public urged to exercise caution
The NPS has issued a nationwide advisory urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures during the heavy rains.
Residents living in flood-prone and landslide-risk areas have been advised to relocate to safer ground and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.
Authorities have also cautioned against attempting to cross flooded rivers or roads, noting that such actions have previously led to fatalities.“Multi-agency teams are actively engaged in search and rescue operations, the evacuation of at-risk residents, the provision of emergency relief supplies, and the assessment of high-risk zones to prevent further loss of life.
Even so, the public is strongly advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures, particularly those living in landslide-prone or flood-affected areas,” the statement reads.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report emergencies through the police hotlines 999 and 112, which remain operational around the clock.
Additional reporting channels include the anonymous #FichuaKwaDCI platform via 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
