The bodies of victims from the devastating landslide that struck Marakwet East have been received at the Eldoret Airstrip, as the government leads a massive rescue and humanitarian operation in the area.
The disaster has so far claimed 15 lives, left 25 people injured, and 30 others unaccounted for.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government was working with utmost urgency to coordinate rescue efforts, extend humanitarian assistance, and stand with affected families.
“We are working with utmost urgency to coordinate rescue efforts, extend humanitarian assistance, and stand with families affected by the Marakwet East landslide disaster,” Murkomen said on Saturday evening.
“Our sincere appreciation to organisations, government agencies, including the county government and individuals, who have worked tirelessly in the search and rescue efforts since the disaster struck.”
The CS confirmed that search and rescue operations will continue Sunday morning, with multi-agency teams, including the military, police, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), the county government, and humanitarian organizations, leading efforts on the ground.
“We have managed to evacuate 25 injured people for further medical attention. Sadly, 15 people lost their lives in this unfortunate tragedy, while 30 people are still unaccounted for,” Murkomen added.
According to the CS, police and military helicopters have been dispatched to the affected areas, carrying medical teams and Kenya Red Cross personnel to reinforce the ongoing operations.
He said the mission has been prioritized to ensure all survivors receive urgent medical attention and missing persons are traced.
“We have moved households at risk of landslides to safer grounds and opened a desk for reporting missing persons,” he said.
Murkomen, who was at the Eldoret Airstrip to receive the bodies of the victims, reiterated the government’s commitment to standing with the affected families and ensuring no one is left behind in the rescue mission.
He also urged residents living near seasonal rivers and landslide-prone areas to move to safer grounds, citing the continued risk posed by heavy rains across the region.
Meanwhile, Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Wesley Rotich said the county government had mobilized ambulances and medical personnel from across the region to bolster emergency operations.
“We are working closely with the national government and humanitarian agencies to ensure those injured receive immediate care and that displaced families are sheltered and supported,” Rotich said.
The Kenya Red Cross Society also confirmed that its teams were already on the ground conducting assessments, coordinating rescues, and offering psychosocial support to survivors and grieving families.
As rescue teams continue to battle rough terrain, unstable ground, and persistent rainfall, the unity and coordination among national, county, and humanitarian agencies have provided hope to families still waiting for news of their loved ones.
The Marakwet East landslide once again highlights the vulnerability of communities living along escarpments and flood-prone areas, underscoring the need for preparedness, early warning systems, and timely evacuation to avert future tragedies.
“Our hearts go out to the families affected. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to save lives and help communities rebuild after this painful tragedy,” Murkomen said.
The weatherman has warned that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in Elgeyo-Marakwet and other counties, including West-Pokot, Homa Bay, Murang’a, Nairobi and several other parts of the Country.
