The devastating landslide in Elgeyo-Marakwet County has, as of November 8, claimed 37 lives, with 11 individuals still missing, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed.
A total of 32 people were injured and hospitalised, though some have since been discharged. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, led by a multi-agency team comprising the military, police, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), the county government, and humanitarian organisations.
Displaced residents are currently being accommodated at Chesongoch Primary School, where they continue to receive relief supplies and humanitarian aid from the government and partner organisations.
CS Murkomen stated that plans for compensating and resettling the affected families in safer locations are in progress and will be implemented as soon as possible.
Earlier today, CS Murkomen, accompanied by First Lady H.E. Mama Rachel Ruto, visited Chesongoch to comfort the bereaved families and assess the extent of the damage. During the visit, they distributed various relief items to the victims.
“The First Lady delivered a message of reassurance to the affected families, affirming that H.E. the President is committed to helping them rebuild their lives,” CS Murkomen said.
The delegation included senior government officials and regional leaders, among them Cabinet Secretaries Davis Chirchir (Roads and Transport) and Geoffrey Ruku (Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes).
Also present were Governors Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo-Marakwet) and Stephen Sang (Nandi), Deputy Governors Prof. Grace Cheserek (Elgeyo-Marakwet) and Dr. Yulita Cheruiyot (Nandi), as well as local legislators Senator William Kisang, Elgeyo-Marakwet County MP Caroline Ng’elechei, Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East), and Adams Kipsanai (Keiyo North). Acting County Commissioner Julius Maiyo and several MCAs also attended.
CS Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to assisting the affected families, emphasizing that collaboration between national and county agencies is essential for efficient and timely relief delivery.
“The landslide disaster in Elgeyo-Marakwet County has so far claimed 37 lives, with 11 people still unaccounted for,” he reiterated, underscoring the magnitude of the tragedy and the need for sustained rescue efforts.
Authorities have urged residents in high-risk areas to stay vigilant and report any signs of ground instability as rescue operations continue. Humanitarian groups remain on the ground, offering food, shelter, and medical assistance to displaced families.
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue supporting disaster-affected families, including those impacted by the recent landslide in Chesongoch, Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
