• Mboko's farm was destroyed by the landslide two days after he relocated.
• More cracks have been reported in farms and roads in Kanyenya-ini area of Kangema.
Image: Alice Waithera
Image: Alice Waithera
A home and a farm have been destroyed by a landslide in Wanjerere area of Murang’a county.
Murugu Mboko, the owner, said he noticed cracks developing in his farm two weeks ago and reported the matter to the local administrators. Springs of water flowed from the cracks.
Murugu was advised to relocate. And two days after he left his home for safe grounds, his house and part of his farm were destroyed by a landslide. The landslide occurred on Sunday night.
The farmer is now agonising over how he will restart his life.
Nine families neighbouring his home are also at risk and have been advised to move to safe grounds.
Following this, Murang’a residents have been urged to look out for signs of earth movement as the long-rain season continues.
County director of meteorology Paul Murage said with increased cracks being experienced in many parts of the county, there is a need for farmers to be vigilant to avoid loss of life.
He told the Star that the landslide had blocked the Mau Mau road, which is being constructed from Kiambu, through Murang’a, to Nyeri by the national government for Sh30 billion.
Murage said areas neighbouring the Aberdare Forest in Kangema, Kigumo, Mathioya and Gatanga are at a higher risk of landslides as the topography is hilly and the weather cooler.
“People living in those areas should stay alert as the rains continue and report the slightest signs of earth movement,” he said.
Murage said in Kanyenya-ini area of Kangema, several farmers have reported new cracks in their farms. Cracks are also visible in roads.
“The rains have been falling consistently over a period of two years and even when they are not heavy, they continuously seep into the cracks and widen them,” he added.
Farmers who notice cracks in their farms have been advised to immediately report to local authorities for an assessment to be conducted to determine whether it is still safe to inhabit the land.
Murage urged residents to heed calls when they are advised to relocate to save their lives. There have been instances where people refused to leave their homes despite the looming danger, citing lack of alternative residence.
Last year, the Red Cross Society announced that over 5,000 acres had been destroyed by landslides in the county.
In 2018, torrential rains left five people dead after their homes were swept away by landslides while over 330 families were displaced.
Edited by A.N