ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya — At least ten people have been confirmed dead after a massive landslide struck the Murkutwo area of Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet County following hours of heavy rainfall on Friday night.
According to Kerio Valley OCPD Zablon Okoyo, the landslide, which occurred at around 1 a.m., swept away several homes, leaving many residents displaced and others still unaccounted for.
“Rescue operations are ongoing as we continue to assess the full extent of the damage. The situation remains dire, and we are doing everything possible to reach those still trapped or stranded,” said OCPD Okoyo.
Okoyo urged residents living near riverbanks to move to safer ground, warning that more landslides could occur due to persistent heavy rains.
“Please move to safer grounds and cooperate with rescue teams,” he appealed.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulige said that access to the affected area remains a major challenge, as key roads have been rendered impassable by mud and debris.
“At the moment, the level of damage cannot be fully established because most routes leading to Murkutwo are cut off. We are now exploring the use of helicopters to assist with evacuation and to deliver emergency aid,” Mulige stated.
Governor Wisley Rotich confirmed that the county government has mobilised both military and police officers to provide aerial support to the ongoing rescue efforts.
“We are working with the Kenya Red Cross, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and additional county doctors who are en route to the area. All county ambulances and medical personnel are being mobilised to respond to the unfortunate landslide situation across Marakwet East,” said Governor Rotich.
Local leaders have expressed deep concern over the worsening conditions. Embobut/Embolot Ward MCA Paul Kipyatich reported that continuous rainfall has further complicated rescue efforts.
“The ground is still moving, and we are witnessing continuous soil displacement. The situation remains dangerous, and residents in surrounding areas are advised to move to higher and safer ground immediately,” Kipyatich warned.
He noted that Embobut location is among the hardest hit, with five families losing their homes as emergency teams continue to dig through the debris in search of survivors.
Preliminary reports indicate widespread destruction of homes, farms, and road networks. The full extent of the damage is yet to be established.
Emergency response teams remain on high alert as weather experts warn of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days, raising fears of further landslides across the hilly terrain of Elgeyo Marakwet.
About The Author
