Kisumu chaos as monster storm tears through city, crushes cars and sends residents running for cover

Property was damaged and vehicles crushed after heavy rain, hailstones and powerful winds swept through Kisumu on Thursday evening, leaving residents scrambling for cover.

A sudden and violent storm swept across Kisumu on Thursday evening, October 8, bringing torrential rain, hailstones and fierce winds that toppled trees, damaged property and sent residents rushing for safety.

Several vehicles were damaged after trees came crashing down, while billboards, walls and power lines were also brought down as the storm struck parts of the city.

The storm appeared to develop rapidly, with residents describing a dramatic change in weather as dark skies gave way to heavy rainfall and powerful gusts.

One resident said the sudden conditions caught people completely off guard.

“The rain started heavily, accompanied by hailstones. Then the wind swept things away and started knocking down billboards. It really took us by surprise.”

The resident added that the cold conditions became particularly noticeable as the storm intensified.

“I didn’t even have a jacket on; I was startled and had to put one on because it was bitterly cold.”

Another resident described hearing a sudden impact while indoors as the storm caused panic.

“I was startled when I heard it. I heard a sudden, loud impact that shocked everyone inside. Everyone just ran for cover. It really shook us up.”

The full value of the property damaged in the storm had not been established by the time of reporting.

Kisumu authorities move to clear drainage

The storm also raised concerns over flooding, with county authorities and other agencies moving to clear drainage channels and sewerage infrastructure.

Fred Mariwa, an adviser to Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o on urban planning and the acting city manager, said several agencies were involved in efforts to keep drainage routes open.

He said the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) were working on drainage corridors under their jurisdiction, while the county government was undertaking similar work within the city.

“KeNHA is working on unclogging some of these corridors that belong to KeNHA. KURA also the same. But as a city also, we are working on unclogging various drainages within the city,” Mariwa said.

The intervention comes as western Kenya prepares for a period of increased rainfall, with forecasters warning that conditions could intensify.

Weather warning stretches across more than 20 counties

The Kenya Meteorological Department had forecast the onset of the rainy season in western Kenya from Thursday evening, with rainfall expected to affect a wide area of the country.

The forecast covered more than 20 counties across western Kenya, the Rift Valley, central Kenya, northern regions and the coast.

Areas expected to receive rain included West Pokot, Siaya, Elgeyo Marakwet, Bungoma, Kakamega, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Kericho, Kisii, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Nyandarua, Meru, Nyeri, Embu, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu.

Forecasters indicated that much of the country would experience light to moderate rainfall, although heavier accumulations were expected around the western Lake Victoria basin, the Rift Valley highlands and the central highlands around Mount Kenya.

Rain was also expected in parts of the coastal region and over the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, residents in parts of northern Kenya faced a separate wind warning, with strong southerly to southeasterly winds of more than 25 knots (12.5 metres per second) forecast in parts of Turkana, Samburu and Marsabit counties.

The Kisumu storm serves as an early reminder of the potential impact of the approaching wet spell, particularly in urban areas where blocked drainage channels can quickly increase the risk of flooding.

Authorities are continuing efforts to clear drainage infrastructure as residents brace for further rainfall.

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