By Tony Wafula
More than 150 families in the villages of Chesiywo, Kapkirong and Kimama, Mt Elgon Constituency in Bungoma County are appealing to the government to urgently relocate them to safer areas after heavy rains triggered floods that washed away their houses, destroyed crops and left many without shelter.
Over 60 people have been killed by floods as heavy rains continue to pound different parts of the country, leaving a trail of destruction in several counties.
Homes have been swept away, roads rendered impassable and hundreds of families displaced after rivers burst their banks following days of relentless downpour.
Authorities say rescue teams have been deployed to the worst-hit areas to evacuate stranded residents and provide emergency assistance, while temporary shelters have been set up for those who have lost their homes.
The government through Public service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku has urged residents living in flood-prone areas to move to safer grounds as meteorological officials warn that the rains are likely to persist in the coming days, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.
Edwin Kibet, a victim of the heavy floods, in his address to the press on Monday, called on the government to help the affected get an alternative place to relocate arguing that they have always faced the same over the years.
Kibet further alleged that a section of politicians have capitalized on the problem as a campaign tool singling out Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa who pledged to help the families get an alternative place.
“We have heard many political leaders while on their visit to the region pledge to help us get an alternative place to stay but over the years no one has fulfilled his promise,” Kibet said, adding that they are now tired of unfulfilled promises by leaders.
Kibet recounted the devastating impact of the heavy downpour, saying the raging floodwaters swept through his homestead and destroyed both his house and crops noting that the sudden disaster left his family stranded and struggling to salvage what remained of their belongings.
He revealed that the floods caused massive losses to his household, estimating the damage at more than Sh150, 000.
“A total of over Sh150, 000 was destroyed by the floods. My crops were washed away and the house collapsed, leaving us with nothing,” he said.
Kibet recalled that the area has previously experienced deadly disasters, noting that a mudslide in the past claimed the lives of three children.
He said the tragic incident deeply affected the community but was never adequately addressed by either the county or national governments, leaving residents exposed to similar risks.
He lamented that despite repeated warnings and appeals to authorities, little has been done to implement lasting solutions to prevent further loss of life and property.
The affected families are now urging the government to urgently relocate them to safer areas and rehabilitate the current land by planting trees to help stabilize the soil and prevent future disasters.
They say fear still hangs over the community as the heavy rains continue, warning that without swift intervention more tragedies could occur.
“We are still in the same problems because no action has been taken despite us lamenting to the relevant authorities to act,” Kibet said.
On Monday, March 16, 2026, The Kenya Red Cross and the Office of the Senator Bungoma County, donated essentials to the affected families. Among those distributed include; mattresses, utensils, beddings, tents, among others to cushion the victims.
Speaking during the essentials distribution exercise, Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli called on the county government of Bungoma through the department of special programmes to urgently step in and provide comprehensive support to the affected families.
