At least 15 people have lost their lives, and 30 others remain missing following a deadly landslide in Marakwet East. The disaster, which occurred after several days of heavy rainfall, has caused massive destruction in Endo, Sambirir, and Embobut Wards, leaving hundreds of families displaced and critical infrastructure damaged.
Authorities confirmed that 25 injured victims have been evacuated and are receiving medical attention as rescue operations intensify. A coordinated multi-agency response team comprising the military, police, county officials, and humanitarian organizations is continuing search and rescue efforts in the affected areas.
Households identified as being at high risk of further landslides have been moved to safer grounds. A special reporting desk has also been established for families seeking information about missing persons. Emergency response teams are working around the clock despite difficult terrain and flooding that has rendered parts of the region inaccessible.
The government has deployed police and military helicopters equipped with medical teams and Red Cross personnel to assist in evacuation and relief operations. Efforts are ongoing to restore damaged roads and open up routes for easier delivery of humanitarian aid and rescue equipment.
The landslides have not only claimed lives but also destroyed homes, farms, and essential infrastructure such as bridges and road networks, severely affecting local livelihoods. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant as heavy rains persist across various parts of the country.
Government officials have assured affected families of continued support, working closely with the county administration and non-state actors to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance. Humanitarian agencies have also been mobilized to assess the full scale of damage and deliver relief supplies to displaced families.
Landslides, often triggered by prolonged or intense rainfall, involve the rapid movement of soil, rocks, and debris down a slope. When the ground becomes oversaturated with water, it loses stability, leading to sudden collapses that can cause widespread destruction. Experts warn that with the ongoing rains, similar disasters may occur in other highland regions, urging residents in vulnerable zones to relocate to safer areas.
The tragedy in Marakwet East highlights the growing impact of extreme weather events, emphasizing the need for better disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and long-term measures to protect communities in landslide-prone regions.
