Forty Murang'a families advised to move to safer grounds to avoid landslide

Some 40 families in Murang’a have been advised to relocate to safer grounds due to fear of a possible landslide.

The Kenya Red Cross Society manager for Mt Kenya region, Gitonga Mugambi, said the families living in upper parts of Kangema and Mathioya have been asked to move out because the areas are prone to landslides following the heavy rains across the country.

“Effects of mudslides have been experienced in Gitugi and Kiambuthia areas in Mathioya Sub-county where destruction has been reported,” said Mr Mugambi.

Last week, Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education candidates at Kiambuthia Secondary School were shifted to another examination room after a landslide.

Murang’a County meteorological director Paul Murage has identified 88 spots in the sub-counties of Mathioya, Kahuro, Kangema and Kigumo with cracks on the ground.

Mr Murage named some of the areas as Kaganda, Kahatia, Inoi, Kenya Njeru, Kayu and Kiarathe. Geologists found cracks in the areas last year.

“We advised Murang’a residents to be alert and report to chiefs any cracks in the areas,” he said.

Murage said some parts of Murang’a have received above 900 millimeters of rainfall, which is above average.

On Saturday, Central region coordinator Wilfred Nyawanga toured areas where mudslides occurred in Mathioya Sub-county.