Over 200 families in Kibiri Ward, Karachuonyo constituency, Homa Bay County, have been left homeless after heavy floods swept through Kojwang sublocation in Katonde, Wadhgonenyongo location.
The floods, triggered by runoff from Homa Hills and the overflowing waters from Kamuga and Ouko Ondenge sub locations, have wreaked havoc, destroying homes, farmlands, and livestock. At least 96 families have lost nearly everything, including their homes and livelihoods, while over 100 hectares of farmland have been washed away.
In an emotional account, Bonface Aaron Nyakiti, one of the victims, described the destruction:
“We had no time to save anything. The water came rushing in the middle of the night, and all we could do was run for our lives. My entire farm is gone.”
Domestic animals have also been swept away by the raging waters, leaving many families struggling to rebuild their lives.
Currently, around 70 displaced households have sought refuge at Kandiege Primary School, where they have been camping for the past three days. The floods, which have spread across nearly six kilometers, have created deep gullies and intensified surface runoff, making the situation even more dire.
Another victim, Esther Apiyo Odok, expressed her frustration:
“We have lost everything, and we don’t know what to do next. Our children are hungry, and we have no food or dry clothes.”
Local authorities and humanitarian agencies are on the ground assessing the extent of the damage and coordinating relief efforts. However, victims like Susan Aoko Omondi say help is yet to reach many of those affected.
“We are grateful to be alive, but we need urgent help—food, shelter, and medicine. The situation is worsening,” she pleaded.
As flood victims wait for aid, community leaders are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further devastation and long-term displacement.