Over 20 killed, homes and animals swept away

At least 20 people were confirmed dead last evening, with 25 injured and several others missing, as horrendous mudslides struck Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The tragedy affected Murkutwa, Chesongoch, Kabetwa, and Embobut areas of Marakwet East, displacing nearly 500 families after night-long deluges caused rivers to burst, triggering runoffs down the Elgeyo Marakwet escarpments.

Rescue efforts for hundreds of people trapped in marooned villages were suspended last evening, as authorities feared further casualties. The death toll rose from 15 to 21 after more bodies were recovered.

Locals recounted their ordeal in what is considered the county’s deadliest mudslide since the 2020 Chesegon tragedy, which killed over 20 people.

Clement Cheserek initially thought there had been an earthquake after feeling tremors amid heavy rains on Thursday night. Loud bangs at midnight disrupted his sleep, but upon leaving his house, he discovered a huge flow of mud approaching his home near the Enou River in Murkutwa. He fled with his family.

Cheserek said he heard neighbours calling for help as the floods and mud marooned several homesteads. “It was a horrendous night. Everywhere was flooded and covered in mud as the heavy rains continued without ceasing,” he said.

He added that, by morning, an elderly woman nearby had been buried by debris, and her body was yet to be retrieved.

Torrential rains cut off all roads leading to affected villages, making it impossible to rescue trapped locals. A multi-agency rescue team, including the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, and Kenya Red Cross, was deployed in the afternoon.

Late in the day, Eldoret Airstrip in Uasin Gishu County became a hub of activity as police and military helicopters transported injured locals to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and private facilities.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government had dispatched helicopters with medical personnel and Red Cross staff to assist ongoing search and rescue operations. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Endo, Sambirir, and Embobut Wards in Marakwet East Constituency following the devastating landslide that has caused loss of lives, property, and infrastructure, including roads,” he said.

Murkomen added that the ministry was working with the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government and non-state actors to respond to the tragedy. “Efforts are underway to restore destroyed roads to facilitate movement for emergency and relief operations,” he said.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat said the rains continued in the affected areas and urged locals to move to safer ground. Some bodies of victims would be transported to Eldoret for preservation.

“The number of deaths reported is 15, but we fear more bodies remain trapped in mud. Rescue operations are ongoing, and we will provide regular updates,” Lagat said, noting that several people were still unaccounted for.

Dr Philip Cheptinga, coordinating medical emergencies, said seven children were among the 21 victims flown to Eldoret for treatment at MTRH. A team of 150 doctors and health personnel was deployed to manage the crisis. “Most victims are in stable condition, and the medical team is working hard to save lives. We have sufficient blood supplies for transfusions,” Dr Cheptinga said.

Elgeyo Marakwet Acting County Commissioner Julius Maiyo said that national administration officers and police were working with locals to rescue residents trapped in marooned houses, but efforts were hampered by impassable roads. Power outages also affected several areas after mudslides and rockfalls destroyed electricity poles.

“It is still raining in the Marakwet highlands, and mud is still flowing down into the valleys, hampering rescue efforts,” the commissioner said. Locals in Kerio Valley said more than 30 people could have died.

Evans Kosgei, a resident, said more bodies were recovered last evening. Last week, a child was swept away as the rains persisted.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the government and humanitarian agencies were providing assistance to locals. According to Mwaura, 30 people remain missing. “We are providing humanitarian support, with police and military helicopters deployed, and medical supplies dispatched from Moi Airbase to the affected area,” he said.

Kenya Red Cross North Rift regional manager Oscar Okumu said the agency had used several routes, including via West Pokot and Baringo, to reach affected areas, but access remained challenging. “Between 200 and 500 families have been affected. Evacuation has started, and we are setting up a tracing desk to help families report and locate missing members. Shelter has been deployed for 50 families,” he said.