Advertisement
Mass funeral for 31 Elgeyo Marakwet mudslide victims set for Friday
20th November, 2025 06:43 PM
The government has announced that a mass funeral service for 31 victims of the devastating mudslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Chesongoch Centre, marking one of the largest collective send-offs in recent years.
In its 12th official update issued on Thursday, November 20, 2025, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed that the tragedy has so far claimed 39 lives, with 9 people still missing and 3 survivors hospitalised and receiving medical and psychosocial support.
Also watch: Death toll in Elgeyo Marakwet landslide rises to 39 as govt plans mass burials
The mudslide, which swept through several villages in Kerio Valley and surrounding areas, displaced approximately 200 households, destroying homes, property, crops, and livestock.
A Multi-Agency Emergency Response Team was immediately deployed to the ground to coordinate search and rescue efforts, provide medical assistance, and facilitate humanitarian support in collaboration with the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government.
“Since the incident, the government, through the Multi-Agency Team established on the ground, has worked tirelessly to restore normalcy in the affected areas. The Multi-Agency Emergency Response Team was established to coordinate search and rescue, medical services, and all humanitarian assistance efforts, in close collaboration with the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet, to stabilise the situation and support recovery for approximately 200 affected households whose homes, property, and livelihoods were destroyed,” Mwaura’s statement read in part.
Mass burial preparations in high gear
According to the update, the mass funeral will bring together families of 31 victims from Kerio Valley Sub-County, with 25 of them to be buried at a single location in Chesongoch, as agreed by affected families.
Also watch: Miracle survivor recounts deadly rock tragedy in Elgeyo Marakwet
Earlier burials have already taken place, including two victims in Kibendo on November 14 and eight more from Embobut and Sambirir, who were laid to rest on November 19 in Marakwet East.
Search and rescue operations were temporarily halted this week to allow families time to prepare and conduct dignified burial ceremonies.
“As at today, the situation stands as follows: 39 deaths. 9 missing persons and 3 individuals hospitalised are receiving ongoing medical and psychosocial support. Search and rescue operations were temporarily halted to allow families and communities to proceed with burial preparations in dignity and order,” Mwaura stated.
“Burial for 2 victims in the Kibendo area of Emsoo Ward, Keiyo North, took place on Friday, 14/11/2025. Burial for 8 victims (5 from Embobut and 3 from Sambirir) was held yesterday in Marakwet East. A major funeral service for 31 victims from Kerio Valley Sub-County will take place on Friday, 21/11/2025, at Chesongoch Centre, where 25 of the victims will be laid to rest in one place as agreed upon by the families.”
Critical infrastructure restored
The government has also reported significant progress in restoring essential infrastructure destroyed by the disaster.
Roads, water systems, bridges, medical facilities, sections of the local trading centre, and power, fully restored by Kenya Power, are now operational, enabling easier movement and improved access to humanitarian assistance.
The state has also provided food and non-food relief items, evacuated casualties, settled medical bills, and extended financial assistance to affected families as earlier promised.
Long-term support
Mwaura further expressed the government’s gratitude to partners, humanitarian organisations, and individuals who have supported the response and recovery efforts so far. He reassured the public that the State will cover all burial costs and continue offering full support to the affected families throughout the mourning and recovery period.
“The Government remains deeply grateful to our partners and all individuals who have offered their support and remains conscious of the pain endured by the affected families and community. The government reassures the public that full support will continue to be provided throughout the burial arrangements, including covering all burial expenses and ensuring dignified send-offs for all victims. The Government affirms its unwavering commitment to stand with the affected families, sustain long-term recovery measures, and build resilience against future climate-related disasters,” the statement read.
