Search for Missing in Elgeyo Marakwet Landslide Enters Day Two as Govt Sends Relief

The government has sent food and other relief supplies to families affected by a landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet, as search and rescue efforts entered the second day.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who is at the scene, said the supplies came from his ministry, the State Department for Special Programmes, and well-wishers. The items were airlifted to the affected villages due to the difficult mountain terrain.

“The relief items include 600 bags of rice, 520 bags of beans, 1,000 blankets, 300 mattresses, 30 boxes of soap, and 10 bales of sanitary towels,” Murkomen said.

He added that the county government is preparing a clear framework to help members of the public and organisations channel donations to the affected families.

By Saturday evening, 21 people had been confirmed dead while 30 others were still missing. At least 25 injured survivors have been rescued and taken to nearby hospitals.

“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.

The landslide occurred on Friday night following days of heavy rainfall in the hilly Kerio Valley region. The disaster has destroyed homes, displaced families and blocked access routes.

The search and rescue mission was set to resume Sunday, with teams from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Red Cross, local administrators, county government officials and residents joining the operation. Choppers are also on standby to continue delivering relief supplies.

Murkomen urged residents living near seasonal rivers, steep slopes or areas that experienced landslides to move to safer grounds.

“We have relocated households that are at risk of further slides and set up a desk for reporting missing persons. I wish to thank the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Government Administration Officers, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, the county government, Red Cross and the general public for their continued support,” he said.

The government has called on residents in landslide-prone regions to stay alert and follow evacuation instructions issued by authorities.