A family of three went missing on Wednesday morning following a landslide in Kapchebogel village, Kasist sublocation, Baringo County. The landslide occurred at dawn on August 7, sweeping away the homestead of a local man, his 38-year-old wife, and their 13-year-old son.
Responding to the incident, police and rescuers reported that three homesteads were affected. While one individual from the affected area was rescued, there were no occupants at a third homestead at the time of the landslide.
Rescue operations were underway on Wednesday, with hopes of locating and rescuing the missing family members. Prior warnings had been issued for residents to vacate hilly areas to avoid such disasters.
This incident follows a similar landslide on July 29 along the Kasoiyo-Tenges-Saos tarmac road in Baringo County’s Borowonin area. In response, the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has closed a section of the 57.1-kilometer road to allow a contractor to assess and repair the damage. The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks.
Motorists are advised to use alternative routes, including Tenges-Kabsenet-Kaptipsokon-Kituro and Tartar-Kabasis-Bosin. KeRRA will coordinate with security personnel to manage traffic at the road’s entry points in Kasoiyo and Saos to mitigate risks.
Officials continue to emphasize caution due to ongoing heavy rainfall, urging motorists to maintain functioning headlights and avoid speeding, particularly in foggy conditions or at night.
The road, essential for linking Eldama Ravine to Kabarnet, the County Headquarters, was last severely impacted by a landslide in 2012, which resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and property damage. Locals are calling for routine inspections and maintenance of the road, constructed in 1985, which now urgently requires rehabilitation.
