Death toll from Elgeyo Marakwet landslide tragedy hits 21, 30 missing, Murkomen say
At least 21 people have been confirmed dead and dozens remain missing after a devastating landslide struck parts of Elgeyo Marakwet County, government officials have confirmed.
The incident happened on Friday October 31, 2025 night.
The area is hilly.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said 25 injured survivors have been rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while 30 people are still unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continue.
“We have paused our search and rescue operations for today. We have confirmed the loss of 21 people to this tragedy, while over 30 people are still unaccounted for as reported by their families,” Murkomen said at a rescue scene.
The search and rescue mission resumes Sunday with a team from the military and the police joining other organisations and the local community in the effort.
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.
“I urge people living near seasonal rivers and areas that experienced landslides last night to move to safer grounds,” he said.
The CS said a multi-agency team comprising the military, police, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), county government officials, and humanitarian organizations is spearheading ongoing search and rescue operations in the affected area.
Murkomen added that the government has moved households at risk of further landslides to safer grounds and established a desk for reporting missing persons as part of the ongoing emergency response.
The landslide, triggered by days of heavy rainfall, has left widespread destruction and displaced numerous families.
Authorities have urged residents in landslide-prone areas to remain on high alert and heed evacuation advisories issued by local administrators.
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