At least two people are feared dead following a series of devastating mudslides that swept through parts of Elgeyo Marakwet County after a night of heavy rainfall. The disaster has caused widespread destruction, displacing families and leaving several homes submerged in mud and debris.
The worst-hit areas include Kakibigen and Morror villages within Korou Sub-Location, where rescue teams confirmed fatalities and are continuing to search for others who may be trapped. Residents reported that the mudslides occurred suddenly after hours of intense rainfall, leaving little time for evacuation.
Rescue operations are currently underway, led by teams from the Kenya Red Cross, county emergency units, and local police. The rescuers are navigating difficult terrain made worse by flooding and damaged roads, which have hampered access to the most affected zones. Heavy machinery and volunteers are being deployed to clear paths and reach stranded residents.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich has urged residents living along escarpments and landslide-prone areas to move to safer grounds as heavy rains continue. He assured the public that county teams are working closely with national government agencies to coordinate emergency responses and provide relief supplies to displaced families.
“We have dispatched our teams and are working with other agencies to ensure residents are safe,” the governor said in a statement, emphasizing the need for vigilance as weather conditions remain unstable.
Rivers across the region, including the Embobut and Endo rivers, have overflowed their banks, worsening the situation. The resulting floods have cut off key roads, isolating some villages and complicating rescue efforts. Local authorities have warned that continuous rainfall could trigger more landslides in the coming days if the downpours persist.
Residents have appealed for urgent intervention, including temporary shelter, food, and medical aid for those affected. Humanitarian organizations are expected to step in to support ongoing relief operations.
Elgeyo Marakwet, known for its steep terrain and escarpments, has previously experienced similar disasters during heavy rains, raising concerns about the region’s preparedness and early warning systems. As rescue efforts continue, officials have called for heightened community awareness and stronger disaster prevention measures to minimize future losses.
