At least 15 people have been confirmed dead and 30 others remain missing following a devastating mudslide that struck parts of Elgeyo Marakwet County on Friday night. The tragedy has left families in shock and communities grappling with the loss of lives, homes, and infrastructure.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the grim toll, revealing that 25 people have been rescued and are receiving medical treatment. He noted that a multi-agency rescue team comprising the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service, the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), county emergency teams, and humanitarian agencies is leading ongoing search and evacuation operations.
“Sadly, 15 people lost their lives in this unfortunate tragedy, while 30 people are still unaccounted for,” Murkomen said in a statement. “We have moved households at risk of landslides to safer grounds and opened a desk for reporting missing persons.”
Photos shared from Eldoret Airstrip showed KDF soldiers assisting with the evacuation of injured victims flown in from Marakwet East for treatment. Authorities say the most affected areas are Endo, Sambirir, and Embobut Wards, which experienced heavy rainfall leading to massive soil displacement.
Murkomen expressed his condolences to affected families, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Endo, Sambirir, and Embobut Wards in Marakwet East Constituency following the devastating landslide that has led to the loss of lives and property, as well as the destruction of infrastructure, including the road network.”
The government has assured continued support as rescue and recovery efforts persist. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any signs of unstable ground as rains continue across the region. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations are mobilizing aid for displaced families as the full extent of the damage becomes clearer.
