President William Ruto has led the nation in mourning the victims of the Marakwet East landslide, assuring families that the government stands with them as recovery efforts continue in the rain-hit region.
In a message of sympathy, Ruto said the country shares in the grief and pledged support as emergency teams search for those still missing.
“Our prayers are with the families affected by the devastating landslide in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County,” he said on Saturday night in his condolence message.
The President noted that government agencies are already on the ground and working side-by-side with responders and local communities.
Ruto’s message came as the scale of the tragedy continued to unfold, with homes swept away and families left in shock after days of heavy rainfall triggered the deadly slide that struck parts of Marakwet East. Dozens remain missing as the search enters another day, and many residents have been displaced.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who is coordinating government response efforts, said priority remains saving lives and helping affected households.
“We are working with utmost urgency to coordinate rescue efforts, extend humanitarian assistance, and stand with families affected by the Marakwet East landslide disaster,” Murkomen said.
Rescue operations in Marakwet East, where a landslide occurred on November 1, 2025.PHOTO/XThe CS confirmed that bodies recovered from the scene were flown to the Eldoret Airstrip on Saturday evening as teams prepared to continue operations on Sunday.
“This evening, we received the bodies of the victims of the disaster at the Eldoret Airstrip as we prepare to continue with the search and rescue operation tomorrow (Sunday),” he stated.
Murkomen thanked responders drawn from various agencies and community members who have worked since the disaster happened.
“Our sincere appreciation to organisations, government agencies, including the county government and individuals, who have worked tirelessly in the search and rescue efforts since the disaster struck,” he added.
Earlier, he reported that 21 people had been confirmed dead and more than 30 were still missing.
“We have paused our search and rescue operations for today. We have confirmed the loss of 21 people to this tragedy, while over 30 people are still unaccounted for as reported by their families,” Murkomen said.
He also noted that seriously injured survivors were flown to Eldoret for treatment, while those with minor injuries were treated in the area.
Relief supplies, including food and essentials, are being mobilised for affected families, with military and police aircraft ready to deliver support due to impassable roads.
The Interior CS urged residents in landslide-prone areas and near seasonal rivers to move to safer places as heavy rains continue. Flooding has cut off access in parts of the region, forcing security teams to scout alternative routes to reinforce the operation.
The disaster follows persistent rainfall across the country, which has led to flooding and damage in several areas. Landslides and mudslides, according to the United Nations Statistics Division, involve the rapid movement of earth, rock, or debris, especially in water-soaked terrain.
