The government has suspended search efforts in Marakwet East until early Sunday, after a devastating landslide claimed 21 lives and left families desperate for answers as more than 30 people remain missing.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said emergency teams and villagers spent the day combing through the mud and debris before calling off the operation at dusk due to dangerous conditions on the ground.
According to Murkomen, the scale of the disaster has stretched response teams as they continue to work with local residents to locate those unaccounted for.
He noted that medical evacuations and first aid support have been ongoing across the day for those hurt in the tragedy.
“We have confirmed the loss of 21 people to this tragedy, while over 30 people are still unaccounted for as reported by their families,” he said on Saturday, explaining why the operation needed to pause until morning.
Survivors in critical condition were flown out of the area to receive specialised treatment.
“25 people with serious injuries have been airlifted to Eldoret for further medical attention, while others with minor injuries have been attended to locally,” Murkomen said.
He confirmed that rescue efforts will resume at daybreak with more personnel joining the mission to help cover the vast area affected. “The search and rescue mission resumes tomorrow with a team from the military and the police joining other organisations and the local community in the effort,” he stated.
Humanitarian supplies are also being arranged to support affected families as many have been left without food and essentials following the night disaster.
“Preparation to supply more food and non-food relief items to the victims is underway. Military and police choppers are on standby to transport the items,” Murkomen noted.
In his remarks, the CS urged residents in nearby danger zones to move urgently to safer areas, warning that the ground remains fragile and weather conditions unpredictable.
“I urge people living near seasonal rivers and areas that experienced landslides last night to move to safer grounds,” he urged.
Murkomen expressed appreciation to responders and organisations participating in the emergency work, saying their support and coordination had helped save lives.
“I wish to thank all the organisations, individuals and government agencies, including the county government, for their fast response and cooperation,” he said.
With rescue teams set to return at sunrise and support from the security services increasing, the next phase of the response will focus on tracing the missing and delivering aid to families waiting for assistance and answers.
