The search and recovery operation for 10 missing people feared to be buried under rubble in the Chesongoch area of Elgeyo Marakwet is still ongoing, with families now taking part in the efforts. This comes a week after the devastating landslide, which tragically claimed the lives of 38 people.
As the government’s resources have been pulled from the area, the responsibility of searching through the soil that is quickly turning into dry earth now lies with the affected families. Despite the challenges, the families remain hopeful, with one body recovered on Monday providing a glimmer of hope that more victims may be found before a mass burial is scheduled.
Jennifer Cherop, a local resident, shared her determination: “We are moving around to look for our children. Today, we found one child, and we are hopeful that others will be found as well.”
Susan Kaino, another resident, anxiously spoke of her missing child: “My child Martin Chesach is still missing, and there’s another child, Chebet, from a neighboring family. But we remain hopeful they will be found, and we will bury them all together.”
The grief is compounded by the loss of both loved ones and livelihoods. As recovery efforts continue, families are now facing an escalating humanitarian crisis, with many questioning where they will go next.
Elgeyo Marakwet’s Disaster Manager, Lawrence Mutwol, acknowledged the difficult situation, explaining, “We are still searching and communicating with the families, but it is clear that this is a significant challenge. We are planning to conduct the burials for the 29 victims, but the 10 missing people remain a real concern.”
In a visit to the region on Saturday, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku reiterated the government’s commitment to assist the families. The government has pledged to cover hospital bills, funeral expenses, and provide ongoing humanitarian support. However, as the excitement surrounding the initial response begins to fade, families are left to cope with the harsh realities of their situation.
Philomena Chelimo, a local resident, expressed the urgency of her community’s plight, saying, “Please give us land so we can leave here and build houses. There is no other land where I can build. This is the only place I can stay with the children who survived. But now, this land is covered in rocks, and there is nowhere to go.”
The tragic event, which has left the community devastated, has already prompted plans for a mass funeral on November 21, 2025. The bodies of the deceased will be handed over to their respective families for interment, offering a small sense of closure amid the ongoing loss.
As the search for the 10 missing people continues, the community remains united in its efforts, with families clinging to hope that they may find more survivors beneath the soil.
