A family in the Ngorngoroi area of Marakwet West Sub-County is mourning the loss of a loved one following a deadly storm that struck the region.
The storm caused widespread destruction, leaving several families homeless after damaging homes and property across the area.
The storm, which was accompanied by heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning, hit the area at around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, catching residents by surprise.
Eyewitnesses said strong winds uprooted large trees and destroyed houses, causing panic among residents.
Tragically, one of the uprooted trees fell and fatally struck a middle-aged woman as she went about her normal duties within the homestead.
Two other residents sustained serious injuries during the incident and were rushed to hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Residents Joseph Cheboswony and Oliver Rotich, who witnessed the incident, said the weather changed abruptly.
According to them, dark clouds gathered unusually fast before strong winds swept through the village.
“The clouds appeared strange, and within a short time, trees started shaking and breaking on their own before the strong winds intensified,” said Cheboswony.
Several families were left homeless after their houses were flattened by the storm. Among them is Emily Raphael, whose house was completely destroyed.
“Everything in the house has been destroyed, and it is still raining, making the situation even worse. We are in serious trouble and have nowhere to sleep,” she said.
The deceased woman’s husband, Pius Joech, described the incident as devastating.
He said he was away at work when the storm struck and only learnt of the tragedy while returning home.
“I had gone to work, only to receive the sad news of my wife’s death while on my way back home,” he said.
Joech added that one of their children was injured during the storm and has been admitted to hospital for treatment.
The storm caused extensive damage across Ngorngoroi village, with several houses losing roofs while others were completely flattened by the strong winds. Fallen trees also blocked footpaths and access routes within the area.
Affected families are now appealing to both the county and national governments for urgent humanitarian assistance, including temporary shelter, food and medical support, as the rains continue to pound the region.
Local leaders have called for swift intervention to help displaced families recover from the tragedy and rebuild their lives.
By Rennish Okong’o
