Landslide hits Kipipiri, disrupts roads and utilities

By Newsflash Reporter

Residents of Kibau Village in Kipipiri Sub-County, Nyandarua, are living in fear after a massive landslide struck the area on Saturday, December 6, causing widespread destruction.

The slide, which covered over five kilometres, destroyed a critical road linking Murungaro in Kinangop to Gilgil in Nakuru and buried the Turasha River, a tributary of the Malewa River. Motorists were forced to take longer detours, adding 19 kilometres to their journey. Some residents sat silently on the debris, reflecting on the devastation. Three graves were swallowed by the slide.

Nyandarua Chief Officer for Roads and Transport, Peter Karanja, confirmed that the landslide also damaged a major water pipe supplying Nakuru County, while electricity poles were destroyed, prompting power disconnections.

“We have been informed by Nakuru Rural Water and Sanitation that the damaged pipe supplies water to the National Youth Service, Gilgil Barracks and Hospital, the Department of Defence, and areas in Nakuru County,” said Karanja.

He described the destruction as extensive, noting that nearly 100 metres of road had been wiped out, cutting residents off from Gilgil Hospital, local markets, and other essential services.

Services disrupted as roads and utilities collapse

“Trading and medical services have been disrupted. We are exploring alternative ways to ensure residents receive assistance,” he added.

Karanja further revealed that the land above the slide has developed cracks, raising fears of another collapse. He urged residents to evacuate to safer areas while experts monitor the situation.

A section of the damaged road. Photo/The Standard

Fortunately, apart from the graves lost in the debris, no injuries or deaths were reported.

Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia said the incident began as a crack with ground tremors, but residents did not expect a landslide of this magnitude.

“It is shocking and unusual because we have never experienced anything like this. We only hear of such incidents in other counties. We are doing what we can, but more support is needed,” said Muhia.

She called on the national government to intervene, warning the situation could worsen without expert assessment.

Muhia also expressed concern over the disrupted water supply, noting that the pipes serve 90 per cent of Nakuru County.

“We need a multi-agency approach to resolve this. Meanwhile, residents should avoid this road and use alternative routes. Those living nearby must relocate to safer ground,” she said.

Residents recounted feeling tremors but dismissed them as ordinary. Jefferson Kinyanjui, who used the road late Friday night, said he was shocked by the extent of the destruction. He warned that the blocked river could trigger flooding, affecting homes, crops, and livestock.

“We will face challenges for weeks or months if nothing is done. This road is used by milk traders, boda boda operators, and farmers transporting perishable produce to Gilgil Market,” he said.

Another resident, Sarah Wanjiku called for cooperation between residents and leaders as they face the disaster. “It is a natural calamity. We should work together to mitigate the situation,” she said.