Search and recovery teams in Chesongon, Elgeyo Marakwet County, have retrieved 37 bodies following last week’s deadly landslide that swept through several villages, leaving devastation and grief in its wake.
According to an update from the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet, one more body was recovered on Thursday, November 6, 2025, as operations continued with hopes of finding more victims still missing.
Speaking while receiving donations worth over KSh 1 million from the Wareng Power House Professionals from Uasin Gishu, Governor Wesley Rotich described the situation as dire.
“Our people are in urgent need of food items and building materials. Most affected families have no place to stay and are currently sheltering at Chesongoch Catholic Church,” he said.
Governor Rotich further highlighted the psychological toll on survivors, noting that many families are deeply traumatized and in need of counselling and emotional support. “We thank the national government for its continued support, but more help is needed to meet the essential needs of the affected persons,” he added.
The donation team was led by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, who urged professionals and well-wishers across the region to support ongoing humanitarian efforts. “This is a time for all of us to join hands and help the families in the valley,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents of Kasegei Village in Chesongoch vividly recalled the terrifying moments before the landslide. Vacity Jeptoo said they heard a roaring sound like an aircraft in the sky moments before the disaster struck. “We woke each other up and ran to Murkutwo, about five kilometres away,” she recounted.
Another resident, Betty Cheserek, said two neighbouring families lost five members and that many others remain missing. “The soil has covered the area like a road,” she said, describing the heartbreaking aftermath of the tragedy.
