Kerio Valley landslide survivor recounts horror of losing mother, niece in Kipkenda tragedy
By Wycliffe Kipsang, November 9, 2025Kelvin Kiplagat from Kipkenda village in Keiyo North of Elgeyo Marakwet County is lucky to be alive.
Kiplagat, who has lived in the area for 30 years, had just left his house on Sunday last week to take a bath before a devastating landslide swept through the village, with a huge rock rolling down and killing his mother and his niece.
Also watch: Govt steps up rescue and recovery in Elgeyo Marakwet as deaths rise
Minutes before disaster struck, Kiplagat left his mother, Albina Kosgei, 67, and his two-year-old niece in the house as they were preparing supper.
“Immediately after entering the other house, I heard a loud roar from outside, and when I looked towards the house, I saw that a huge rock had crushed it. I immediately ran to check if people were still there, but there was no one,” Kiplagat recalls.
Kiplagat explained that after failing to see or find the people in the crushed house, he decided to take action and search for his niece, who had been sleeping nearby.
He said that he was forced to accept the tragic reality after witnessing how the rocks had crushed and destroyed their home, instantly claiming the lives of his mother and niece.
Another child survived the deadly tragedy after the rocks lifted the mattress he was sleeping on, while the corrugated iron sheets miraculously covered him, allowing him to remain alive despite sustaining injuries.
A visibly shaken Kiplagat noted that he now feels their home is no longer a safe place to live in, as the recent incident is deeply traumatising and saddening.
“Since we started living here, that rock has been up there, and there are still many more up there, and we don’t know when disaster will strike again,” said Kiplagat.
He urged residents still living in dangerous areas to take serious steps and move to safer ground to avert more disasters.
According to the family spokesperson, Alexander Korir, plans are underway to hold a special prayer ceremony and traditional cleansing ritual at the site of the tragedy.
Korir stated that the family will perform the rituals to cleanse the area and ask for God’s protection for the survivors, adding that some remains of the deceased have not been recovered.
“These people fell into that hole, and not all their body parts were recovered. That is why we must perform a special ritual,” Korir explained.
Residents who spoke to K24 Digital on a tour to the area called on the government to find alternative land and relocate residents living in dangerous areas to safe grounds.
“The time has come for the government to find a permanent solution to the landslides that are frequently witnessed during the rainy season. Landslides happen all the time,” said Kibiwott Koros, a resident who cited Kiptoit, Anin and Siroch as other areas prone to landslides.
Search efforts
This comes as the death toll from another massive landslide, which hit Chesongoch in Marakwet East, has reached 36 as search efforts continue.
16 people are still missing.
One more body was recovered on Wednesday as the operation continues with hopes of finding additional victims.
Also watch: Death toll rises to 37 in Chesongon mudslide as recovery efforts continue
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich, who is among those who have been coordinating evacuation and recovery efforts in conjunction with other humanitarian agencies, described the situation on the ground as dire.
“Our people are in urgent need of food items and building materials. We thank all organisations and Kenyans of goodwill who have so far assisted us,” Governor Rotich said.
“Most of the affected families have no place to stay and are currently sheltering at Chesongoch Catholic Church,” added Rotich.
According to Rotich, many survivors are still traumatised and require psychosocial support.
“Some families are going through deep trauma. Apart from food and shelter, they need counselling and emotional care,” said Rotich.
“We thank the national government for its continued support in the retrieval efforts, but more help is needed. The number of affected persons is large, and their basic needs must be addressed urgently,” added the Governor.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, who also led a team of well-wishers from his county in donating an assortment of foodstuffs and other basic needs to the affected families, appealed to professionals and experts across the region to contribute to the ongoing humanitarian efforts.
“This is a time for all of us experts, professionals, and well-wishers—to join hands and support the families in the valley,” Governor Bii said.
County authorities say rescue and recovery operations will continue until all missing persons are accounted for.
The Elgeyo Marakwet County Assembly has also provided food and clothing aid to the landslide victims.
Led by the Clerk of the Assembly, Jane Mutai, they presented the aid, stating that the action is part of efforts to give the victims hope for a return to normalcy after the tragedy.