Death toll rises to 21 in Elgeyo Marakwet landslide as government pauses rescue operations

The death toll from the landslide that struck Moror Village and Chesongoch Centre in Elgeyo Marakwet County in the early hours of Saturday morning has risen to 21.

After a full day of rescue operations, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Saturday evening announced a pause in the mission until Sunday, as efforts continue to account for the 30 people still missing.

“We have paused our search and rescue operations for today. We have confirmed the loss of 21 people in this tragedy, while over 30 people remain unaccounted for as reported by their families,” said the CS.

He added that 25 people with serious injuries have been airlifted to Eldoret for further medical attention, while those with minor injuries have been treated locally.

“The search and rescue mission will resume on Sunday with a team from the military and the police joining other organisations and the local community in the effort,” he added.

At the same time, preparations are underway to deliver additional food and non-food relief supplies to the victims, with military and police helicopters on standby to transport the items.

“I urge people living near seasonal rivers and areas that experienced landslides last night to move to safer grounds. I wish to thank all the organisations, individuals, and government agencies, including the county government, for their quick response and cooperation,” said Murkomen.

The Interior CS also confirmed that the government has deployed police and military helicopters carrying medical personnel to assist in ongoing 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 led to the loss of lives and property, as well as the destruction of infrastructure, including the road network. We are working with the county government and non-state actors to respond to this unfortunate incident and provide the necessary support to affected families. Efforts are underway to restore the destroyed road network to facilitate movement and access for emergency and relief operations,” he said.

The area has experienced similar disasters in the past, largely attributed to decades of increased land use without targeted soil conservation measures. This has left the land exposed to erosion and vulnerable to landslides during heavy rainfall.

In May last year, a landslide struck the homestead of a retired teacher in Tuturung Village, Marakwet East Sub-County, killing two people and injuring another following a heavy downpour at around 2:10 am.

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• Death toll rises to 21 in Elgeyo Marakwet landslide as government pauses rescue operations
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In 2020, approximately 4,000 people were displaced, many were injured, and about 29 lost their lives after a landslide occurred along the West Pokot–Elgeyo Marakwet border following prolonged rainfall.

The worst landslide in recent history occurred in November 2019, claiming 52 lives, killing numerous livestock, and displacing over 22,000 households in Parua, Nyarkulian, Sebit, Muino, Tamkal, and Batei.