Alarm as huge cracks cut off village in Elgeyo

The crack that cuts across four villages has sent panic in Kapsegut village in Keiyo South sub-county. [Fred Kibor]

Residents of Soy division in Keiyo South Sub-county are living in fear after huge cracks stretching several kilometres started emerging on the ground.

The fissures have worsened due to the ongoing heavy rains in the region and residents now fear it could result in a landslide.

Locals have started moving away from the affected area and settling up the Elgeyo escarpment -- also classified as unsafe for human settlement.

“The cracks are dangerous and people and animals can easily fall into them. I moved my family out a few days ago when the cracks widened. The ongoing rains have worsened the situation,” said Mr David Mengich, a resident of Kapsegut village, which has been the epicenter of the fissures. 

He said the village and its environs are no longer safe and urgent intervention is needed to move the people out of the danger.

The cracks have cut through Kapsegut, Ketigoi and Kalwal villages and residents are living in fear that the area might sink with thousands of people inhabiting it.

Some roads have been rendered impassable by the crevices, cutting off the area.

“In a still night, one can hear rumbling on the ground as if there is an earthquake. We fear the worst might happen and the entire region could be hard hit someday,” said Mr Thomas Kipngeno, a resident.