A sombre mood has engulfed Kipkenda village in Keiyo North, Elgeyo Marakwet County, after a massive landslide claimed the lives of two family members. Kelvin Kiplagat, who survived the disaster, is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of his mother and two-year-old niece.
Kiplagat, who has lived in the area for three decades, said he had just stepped out of his house to take a bath on Sunday last week when disaster struck. Moments later, a huge rock rolled down from the hillside, crushing their house and instantly killing his 67-year-old mother, Albina Kosgei, and his young niece.
“Immediately after entering the other house, I heard a loud roar. When I turned to look, the house was gone — crushed by a massive rock,” Kiplagat recalled tearfully. Despite rushing to the scene, he found no trace of his loved ones.
Another child narrowly survived after the mattress he was sleeping on was lifted by the impact, and corrugated iron sheets shielded him from the falling debris.
A family spokesperson, Alexander Korir, said plans are underway for a special prayer and cleansing ceremony at the tragedy site. He revealed that not all the remains of the deceased have been recovered, prompting the family to perform traditional rituals for peace and protection.
Residents have urged the government to relocate families from high-risk zones, citing frequent landslides in areas such as Kiptoit, Anin, and Siroch.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich described the situation as dire, noting that most affected families are now sheltering at Chesongoch Catholic Church. He appealed for more humanitarian support, including food, building materials, and psychosocial counselling for survivors.
As rescue operations continue, the death toll in nearby Chesongoch has risen to 36, with 16 people still missing. Authorities and volunteers remain on the ground in a desperate search for more victims as communities grapple with the devastation left behind.
