300 left homeless after heavy rains
Friday, June 17
More than 300 people have been rendered homeless after heavy rains accompanied by strong winds destroyed their homesteads in Baringo County
The 9pm Wednesday downpour at Kampi Samaki, Baringo North district, also caused the death of more than 40 goats and dozens of chicken.
Local leaders, among them Bartum ward councillor Richard Kambala, on Thursday told the press in Marigat that the government and other well-wishers should come up with humanitarian support for the affected families.
“We fear an outbreak of water-borne diseases as they are living in deplorable conditions,” said Mr Kambala.
He said children were the worst affected as swarms of mosquitoes fed on them.
Ms Dinah Achieng’, 45, sustained serious injuries on her legs after her house caved in on her.
The situation, the councillor said, had disrupted learning at Kapsoi Primary School where three latrines collapsed.
Many families were also forced to spend the night in the cold after their homes were submerged in water.
Major streams, including Molo and Wasegez, have burst their banks, putting at risk the lives of school children.
Heavy rains have been pounding many parts of Baringo in the past one week.
The rains have come as a big relief to farmers, who have been facing the risk of crop failure following persistent drought early this year.
“The rains are a big blessing to me following prolonged dry spell,” said Mr Joseph Notti from Kipsoit in Salawa division of Baringo Central district.
Many residents have been relying on relief food. Areas worst hit were Salawa and Sacho divisions in Baringo Central district, and Bartabwa and Barwessa divisions in the neighbouring Baringo North district.
Travellers on the Mogotio-Marigat road had a rough time yesterday as the rains had rendered the road impassable.
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