The death toll from the devastating landslides that struck Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet County has risen to 26, after four more bodies were recovered on Saturday morning.
The landslides followed hours of heavy rainfall on Friday night, leaving widespread destruction across the Kerio Valley region.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the new figures and announced that the government has begun evacuating families from high-risk zones to safer grounds.
“The government is working closely with all relevant agencies to ensure that rescue, relief, and evacuation efforts continue smoothly,” Murkomen said.
He praised the multi-agency team—comprising the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Police Service, and the Kenya Red Cross Society—for their swift and coordinated response in searching for survivors and providing emergency assistance to affected residents.
According to eyewitnesses, the landslides occurred late at night when most people were asleep. Several homes were buried under mud and debris, while roads were cut off, making it difficult for rescue teams to access some of the affected villages.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Stephen Sang said that local and national authorities are working together to relocate residents living near steep slopes and riverbanks. He warned that weather forecasts indicate continued rainfall, which could trigger more landslides and flash floods in the area.
Humanitarian teams have already started distributing food, blankets, and medical supplies to displaced families who are temporarily sheltered in nearby schools and churches. Over 3,000 people are estimated to have been affected, with many losing homes, livestock, and crops.
Environmental experts have linked the tragedy to deforestation and poor farming methods that have weakened the region’s soil structure, making it more prone to landslides during heavy rains.
As rescue operations continue, families are still searching for missing loved ones, while the government has assured that post-disaster recovery and reconstruction plans will be put in place once the situation stabilizes.
