Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that the death toll in the Marakwet East landslide disaster has risen to 26 after four more bodies were recovered on Sunday.
CS Murkomen said Endo Ward in the area recorded 19 deaths, Embobut-Embolot Ward lost 5 people, while Sambirir Ward lost 2.
"Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with the death toll now standing at 26 following the recovery of more bodies today. 25 people are still unaccounted for, while 26 are hospitalised," Murkomen said.
He stated that military and police helicopters will remain in the area to handle cases of emergency, adding that the Kenya National Examinations Council has made arrangements to airlift examination papers to about 15 schools that are inaccessible due to the landslides.
Earlier in the day, Murkomen said government-led rescue and humanitarian efforts were in full gear as teams raced against time to locate survivors and provide relief to those displaced.
“We have kicked off day two of the search and rescue of the victims of the Marakwet East landslide disaster,” Murkomen said in a statement.
“We have also flagged off food and non-food items from our Ministry, the State Department for Special Programmes, and well-wishers, which have been airlifted to the people who were affected by the tragedy.”
The government has dispatched relief supplies, including 600 bags of rice, 520 bags of beans, 1,000 blankets, 300 mattresses, 30 boxes of soap, and 10 bales of sanitary towels.
Multi-agency search operations led by the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Defence Forces, and the National Police Service continue across the disaster zone.
Murkomen assured that his Transport Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, is fast-tracking the release of emergency funds to restore roads damaged in the landslide, while Energy Cabinet Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi, will deploy a team to restore electricity.
Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku will continue to spearhead the provision of humanitarian support in the area in conjunction with the County Government of Elgeyo-Marakwet.
Residents in the region are being urged to move to safer grounds, with local administration expected to spearhead sensitization efforts.
"Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs in the affected Wards are continuing to sensitise people to move to safer grounds," added Murkomen.
