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Emotions run high as families bury 31 victims of the Chesongoch landslide
21st November, 2025 09:10 PM
31 victims of the devastating Chesongoch landslide were laid to rest in an emotionally charged ceremony, as grief-stricken families pressed for answers and lasting protection from future disasters.
25 bodies were buried in one designated area, directly opposite St. Mauras Catholic Church in Chesongoch. At the same time, six (6) other bodies were taken by their families for burial in their respective homes.
Also watch: Trans Nzoia leaders urge government to help Chesongoch landslide victims
During the final send-off of their 31 loved ones who perished in the landslide tragedy, area residents, led by Gregory Suter, called upon the government to assist in relocating them from the high-risk zone.
The residents stated that they have suffered from landslide tragedies for a long time from landslide tragedies since 2021.
“We need a long-lasting solution to the landslide menace here in Kerio Valley,” Suter stated.
Murkomen’s assurance
Speaking during the burial ceremony on Friday, November 21, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that the government will continue to ensure that all people who were affected have returned to their normal lives.
The CS indicated that families who lost their relatives will be given compensation of Ksh200,000, and Ksh150,000 for those who sustained injuries due to the landslides, warning against any plans to pilfer or loot the funds.
“Every list of the beneficiaries must be verified by the government’s National officials to ensure effective and transparent compensation to the people,” he stated.
On his part, the Principal Secretary for National Treasury (PS), Chris Kiptoo, said that the government will have an integrated master plan, together with the Embobut report, to be implemented to find a long-lasting solution to the issue of landslides in Kerio Valley.
Kiptoo also insisted on controlling activities being done in the upstream and downstream areas of Kerio Valley, citing that they have negatively impacted the environment.
“As the government, we are planning a Marshal Plan to ensure Kerio Valley residents live in a conducive place,” Kiptoo said.
A total of 39 landslide victims in Elgeyo Marakwet County have been laid to rest as of today. However, nine (9) other people are still unaccounted for since November 1, 2025
