Grief in Elgeyo Marakwet as a man loses 6 family members in landslide
By K24 Digital Reporter, November 2, 2025Grief continues to grip Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet County following a deadly mudslide that claimed dozens of lives.
Among those affected is Fred, who lost six members of his family in the disaster, while two more relatives remain in critical condition.
Fred, who resides in Eldoret, rushed to Chesongoch on Sunday, November 2, 2025, upon receiving the heartbreaking news.
“I had to come and see for myself,” he said, struggling to contain his emotions as rescue teams continued their search.
Struggling to come to terms with the magnitude of his loss, Fred added, “I lost six members of myself. I don’t know what to do.”
Also watch: Government swiftly responds to Marakwet landslide, assures support to affected families.
Rescue efforts underway
The atmosphere in the region remains sombre as bodies are retrieved one by one from the debris. Military and police helicopters are on standby to evacuate survivors and transport bodies to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
Emergency personnel, humanitarian agencies, and local volunteers continue working tirelessly in rescue and recovery efforts.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that 26 bodies had been recovered, 25 people remain missing, and 26 survivors are receiving treatment and are in stable condition.
Rescue teams face challenges, as some victims may be buried deeply in the mud, complicating retrieval efforts.
The most affected areas include Edow Village, which lost 19 residents, Embobut with five fatalities, and Sambirir, where two people perished.
Government response
Cabinet Secretary for Special Programmes Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku announced that the government has initiated a resettlement plan for displaced families, expected to begin on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said exams for affected schools will be airlifted, and students in submerged schools will be rescheduled, urging authorities to prioritise affected students.
The disaster has left the community in shock, highlighting the urgent need for continued support and coordinated relief efforts as residents begin the slow process of rebuilding their lives.