Mass burial for 25 Elgeyo Marakwet mudslide victims set for Friday as death toll hits 39

Mass burial for 25 Elgeyo Marakwet mudslide victims set for Friday as death toll hits 39

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura indicated that search and rescue operations were temporarily paused to allow families to prepare for burials with dignity.

Twenty-five Elgeyo Marakwet mudslide victims to be buried at Chesongoch Centre on Friday

Twenty-five people who lost their lives to the devastating mudslide in Elgeyo Marakwet on October 31, 2025, will be laid to rest on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Chesongoch Centre, the government has confirmed.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the burial arrangement was agreed upon by the families to allow the community to mourn collectively.

He noted that the current death toll stands at 39, with nine people still missing and three individuals hospitalised who are receiving ongoing medical and psychosocial support. Mwaura indicated that search and rescue operations were temporarily paused to allow families to prepare for burials with dignity.

“Since the incident, the Government, through the Multi-Agency Team established on the ground, has worked tirelessly to restore normalcy in the affected areas. The Multi-Agency Emergency Response Team was established to coordinate search and rescue, medical services and all humanitarian assistance efforts, in close collaboration with the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet, to stabilise the situation and support recovery for approximately 200 affected households whose homes, property, and livelihoods were destroyed,” he said.

Earlier burial ceremonies included two victims in the Kibendo area of Emsoo Ward, Keiyo North, on Friday, November 14, and eight victims, five from Embobut and three from Sambirir, in Marakwet East on Wednesday. The upcoming major funeral service will see 31 victims from Kerio Valley Sub-County commemorated, with 25 laid to rest together at Chesongoch Centre.

Mwaura highlighted that critical infrastructure in the affected areas, including roads, water systems, electricity, bridges, medical facilities and sections of the local shopping centre, have been fully restored.

“Roads, water systems, power, bridges, medical facilities, and parts of the local shopping centre have been restored, enabling movement, access to essential services, and steady resumption of community routines,” he said.

Additionally, humanitarian support has consistently been deployed, including the provision of food and non-food items, casualty evacuation, and financial assistance to affected families, as well as the payment of all medical and hospital bills as promised.

He expressed gratitude to partners and individuals who have supported the recovery efforts and reassured the public of continued government support.

“The government will cover all burial expenses and ensure dignified send-offs for all victims. We affirm our unwavering commitment to stand with the affected families, sustain long-term recovery measures, and build resilience against future climate-related disasters,” Mwaura said.

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