Elgeyo Marakwet Assembly suspends sittings, demands relocation of residents in risk zones
By K24 Digital Reporter, November 4, 2025Following the recent incidents of landslides witnessed in Elgeyo Marakwet County, the County Assembly on Monday, November 4, 2025, suspended all its sittings.
The ward representatives used this opportunity to discuss important matters concerning the county, especially the challenge of landslides, and to mourn the people who perished and lost their lives following the landslides in the Chesongoch (Marakwet East) and Keiyo North areas.
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So far, 32 people have been confirmed dead, while 20 others are still being searched for.
The Assembly has now issued a recommendation to the National Government to relocate all people living in dangerous areas and provide them with safe housing.
Led by the County Assembly Speaker, Lawi Kibire, the representatives stated that it is the government’s responsibility to move residents living in dangerous areas and find them alternative housing, including in parts of the forest, to help prevent further loss of life.
“This county is blessed with land and a large forest that the government ought to set aside and relocate residents who live in dangerous areas,” Kibire said.
This position was emphasised by the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Emsoo Ward, Christopher Cheboiboch, whose ward faced the landslide challenge on Sunday morning, where two people lost their lives after a huge boulder rolled down and covered one house. He demanded that the government help find a permanent solution to this issue.
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The MCA stated that the time has come for the government to find a permanent solution to prevent such incidents from continuing to be witnessed in the country.
“We want the government to intervene and help residents who live in dangerous areas acquire other land,” said Cheboiboch.
On her part, nominated MCA Peris Kiptoo requested that the government proceed with plans for the construction of houses in the Marakwet East area so that residents can obtain better benefits from the government’s scheme.
Kiptoo stressed that if the government moves forward with the plan, it will enable residents to get decent and safe housing.
“The government should decide; even this affordable housing, let it be built for us just like in Eldoret Town,” Kiptoo said.