Rain in North Baringo changed from being a blessing to a curse after five villagers died in a landslide triggered by the heavy downpour.

At first, it seemed like a normal rain when it began at 8 PM. However, by 11 PM, the rain was still pouring relentlessly.

According to Faith Kimutai from Kapkombe village, “Three hours after the rain began last night, around 11 PM, it was still raining heavily.”

No sooner had they retired to sleep than they heard a loud bang outside.

“We heard the sound moments after 11 PM. We did not know what was happening; we thought it was thunder or an earthquake, which are common in these areas,” she added.

Moments later, they heard people wailing that a house had been swept away by a landslide. Baringo County Commissioner Stephene Kutwa, who visited the scene, told the press that the tragedy had claimed the lives of five people.

“The landslide occurred on Tuesday night in two villages in Baringo North, Kapkombe and Kapchobel, killing five people instantly. Among the deceased are three minors and two adults. One teenager is still missing,” said the administrator.