Kenyan landslide death toll rises to 26 as flash floods hamper search for survivors

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The death toll from a deadly landslide in western Kenya has risen to 26 after four more bodies were retrieved on Sunday, shortly before rescue efforts to find survivors were suspended due to a flash flood.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said 25 people are still missing and that the government had intensified the search mission, with the military deploying four aircrafts to help teams access the area that has been completely cut off after roads were washed away during Saturday’s landslide.

On Sunday, search teams had to abandon the site after flash floods from a hill in the Chesongoch area in Kenya’s Rift Valley region.

Heavy rains continue across Kenya, and floods have been reported in several counties, displacing thousands of people.

The government has urged those living in flood or landslide prone areas to move, as the rains are expected to continue across the country.

Murkomen said the government would continue airlifting supplies to those affected, including to 15 schools that have been cut off, and that ongoing national examination papers would be airlifted to candidates.

He said the government would cover the medical bills of more than 30 injured people and resettle dozens of others whose homes were swept away.

“It is very sad that families have lost five to six immediate family members,” the minister told journalists on Sunday.

Oscar Okum, regional manager for the Kenya Red Cross, said the Rift Valley area was still susceptible to land slides.

“Today, while we were doing search and recovery and rescue, we have had roads that are already opened being populated again by mudslides. So it’s still an active incidence and we urge the community members to move to safer grounds for purposes of their safety, lives and livelihoods as well,” he said.

Rescue teams carry bodies of victims of a landslide in the hilly area of Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet county, western Kenya, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku)

Rescue teams carry bodies of victims of a landslide in the hilly area of Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet county, western Kenya, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku)

People inspect the scene of a landslide that killed scores in the hilly area of Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet county, western Kenya, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku)

People inspect the scene of a landslide that killed scores in the hilly area of Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet county, western Kenya, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku)

Rescue teams carry bodies of victims of a landslide in the hilly area of Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet county, western Kenya, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The coach of Spain's national soccer team has condemned “xenophobic or racist attitudes" after fans repeatedly made anti-Muslim chants during a game against Egypt.

Luis de la Fuente was speaking after fans made chants mocking Muslims during Tuesday's friendly game, part of Spain's preparations for the World Cup.

“I feel total and absolute repulsion towards any xenophobic or racist attitudes. They are intolerable," de la Fuente said after the game, which was a 0-0 draw.

Egypt is a majority-Muslim country and Spain's star player Lamine Yamal is also Muslim.

Spain is due to play Saudi Arabia at the World Cup, and also faces Cape Verde and Uruguay in Group H of the 48-team tournament. Egypt has games against Belgium, New Zealand and Iran in Group G.

Spain was hosting Egypt for the game, which had originally been expected to be played in Qatar before the region was affected by the Iran war. A “Finalissima” game there between South American champion Argentina and European champion Spain was canceled after they couldn't agree to reschedule.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Egypt's goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saves during the international friendly soccer match between Spain and Egypt in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente reacts during the international friendly soccer match between Spain and Egypt in Barcelona , Spain, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)