Written by Lisa Murimi
At least several people are feared dead after a massive landslide swept through Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet County early Saturday morning, following days of relentless rainfall that has pounded the Rift Valley region.
The disaster, which struck around 4 a.m., buried several homes and displaced dozens of families.
Rescue teams from the Kenya Red Cross were among the first responders at the scene, working alongside county officials to locate survivors and assess the extent of damage.
“A landslide following heavy overnight rains has hit Moror Village and Chesongoch Centre, leaving many people injured,” the Kenya Red Cross said in a statement.
“Our response team has been activated to support those affected and evaluate the situation on the ground.”
Images and videos from the area show houses submerged in mud, others tilted precariously, and residents stranded as they await rescue. Local rivers have also burst their banks, further complicating access to the affected areas as flooding damaged key road networks.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich urged residents living near escarpments to move to safer ground, warning that continued rainfall poses further risks of mudslides.
“We have dispatched our emergency teams and are working with other agencies to ensure residents’ safety,” Rotich said.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei expressed condolences to the victims, describing the landslide as “a devastating tragedy” that has destroyed lives, land, and property.
“My deepest sympathies go to the families that have lost loved ones. You are in our prayers during these trying moments,” he said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that police and military helicopters had been deployed to assist in rescue and medical evacuation efforts.
He added that the government is collaborating with the county administration and humanitarian partners to provide aid and restore transport links.
“We are working with the County Government and non-state actors to respond to this unfortunate incident and offer necessary support to affected families,” Murkomen said, adding that efforts are underway to repair the destroyed roads to ease emergency operations.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rains are expected to continue over the weekend, heightening the risk of further flooding and landslides in several parts of the Rift Valley and Western Kenya.
