By Our Reporter | Wajir Today | Wednesday, 4 March 2026

Heavy overnight rains pounded parts of Wajir County on Tuesday night, bringing relief to drought-hit communities but killing 85 goats after lightning struck a herding family in Tulatula

The downpour, which began at around 2:00 a.m., soaked sections of Eldas and nearby settlements following months of biting dry conditions that had left pasture depleted and water sources strained in the largely pastoral county.

Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan described the downpour as timely for residents observing the holy month of Ramadan.

“Alhamdulillah, we continue to witness the divine blessings of Allah unfolding across many parts of Eldas,” Keynan said in a statement adding that the rains had revived hope among local communities.

Meanwhile, a lightning struck a livestock enclosure in a village, about four kilometres from Tulatula, killing 85 goats on the spot, according to local authorities.

Hared Hassan, a local chief in the area, said two young people who were with the herd survived the strike but were left traumatised.

“A 25-year-old man, Ismail Khanyare Hassan, and a 16-year-old girl, Zeinab Shukri, are recovering from the shock after lightning struck near them,” Hassan told Wajir Community Radio by phone.

Wajir County disaster response officials had not immediately issued a formal statement by Wednesday morning.

Last night’s downpour rainfall marks a critical turning point after months of hardship, offering renewed prospects for pasture regeneration, water replenishment and livestock recovery in one of Kenya’s most drought-prone counties.