Limuru landslide leaves one person dead

One person died in Limuru after he was covered by a landslide. [George Njunge, Standard]

One person died in Kiambu following the heavy rains pounding the country.

Benson Muriu,40 was buried alive by soil at Misri area of Limuru sub-county following day-long rains.

Area chief Evans Kungu said as rains persisted at night, villagers heard a loud bang as hips of soil rolled down sweeping away Muriu's house.

Neighbors and family members were woken by the raging waters as loose soil rolled down, covering Muriu's house.

His house was flattened by the landslide.

The members of the public dug out the rubble to rush him to Limuru health center where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

"We have a situation that is spiraling out of control in Misri area as many houses have been submerged in water and most pit latrines have been filled up with water. This is posing a big risk," Kungu said.

The chief said that several power posts have also been uprooted by running waters but noted that Kenya power staff disconnected the power to avert disaster.

"I am calling upon the residents of this place to be cautious at this time when we are experiencing more rain than usual. Let us keep away from running water, power lines or any electric cables," Kungu said.

The chief and the administration were mulling over the idea of evacuating the affected to Kirathimo social hall within Limuru town.

Nominated MCA Pacifica Ongecha who also rushed to the scene said that drainage in Limuru town and many other towns has posed a serious problem and called on the county government to move with speed and unclog the drainage systems.

"At this time, we need a multi-agency approach to save lives. The national government the NGOs and the county government should come together and assist the affected. We don't have the luxury of time for blame games as we may continue losing lives," Ongecha said.

Also, all underpasses along the Nakuru Nairobi highway were unmotorable.