Kang’ata calls for vigilance amid landslides in Murang’a
By Faith Lagat, May 7, 2026Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has urged residents to remain alert and move to safer areas as ongoing heavy rains continue to trigger landslides in parts of the county.
The governor issued the appeal through an official statement posted on his X account on May 7, 2026, following a fatal incident in Gitugi area.
He expressed solidarity with affected families after a landslide struck Ngutu Village, Gitugi, Mathioya Sub-County, where one person died. The county said it is coordinating response efforts while monitoring risk areas as rainfall continues.
Landslide incident in Gitugi
The landslide occurred after hours of heavy rainfall, causing soil movement that buried a middle-aged man inside his home. Residents in Ngutu Village responded immediately alongside members of the Murang’a County disaster response team and recovered the body from the debris.
The landslide also destroyed several houses within the homestead, flattened crops, and affected an area stretching close to one kilometre. The incident caused panic among nearby residents as concerns grew over the stability of the surrounding land due to continuous rainfall.
“The County Government of Murang’a stands in solidarity with the families and residents affected by the landslides in areas experiencing heavy rains across Murang’a County. In particular, our condolences goes to Ngutu Village, Gitugi Mathioya, where one life was lost,” Kang’ata said.
County and national response measures
Murang’a County authorities said they are closely monitoring high-risk zones and coordinating with national government agencies to support evacuation and relief efforts. County Commissioner Hassan Bule confirmed that affected families would be moved to safer locations as assessments continue.
He said relocation plans would include the provision of necessities while authorities evaluate the extent of damage caused by the landslides. Residents in vulnerable areas were urged to move to higher ground temporarily as rainfall is expected to continue.
The county has also activated disaster response teams in affected wards to assist in evacuation, provide emergency support, and assess infrastructure damage.
Recurring landslide risks in Murang’a
The latest incident has renewed concerns in Gitugi Ward, where similar disasters have been recorded in previous years. Residents recalled a landslide in the area that claimed seven lives from one family, raising questions about long-term mitigation measures in high-risk zones.
A report from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration linked landslide occurrences in parts of Murang’a, including Kiruri Location in Kangema Sub-County, to soil instability, decomposing tree roots, and poor rainwater drainage systems. The report noted that these factors increase underground erosion and weaken land structures during heavy rains.
Joint inspections by government agencies, including technical teams from the Ministry of Mining, have previously identified areas in Kieni and Kianjuru villages as highly vulnerable, advising residents to relocate during prolonged rainfall periods.
Broader weather impact across Kenya
The Murang’a landslide adds to a wider pattern of weather-related disasters affecting several counties across the country. Heavy rains in recent weeks have led to fatalities, displacement of families, and destruction of infrastructure in multiple regions.
Authorities continue to warn residents in high-risk zones nationwide to remain alert as weather forecasts indicate continued rainfall in some parts of the country. County governments have been advised to strengthen early warning systems and improve evacuation preparedness to reduce loss of life and property damage.