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Wetang’ula urges residents in landslide-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds
02nd November, 2025 08:50 PM
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called upon local leaders to urge residents living in steep and sloping areas to move to safer grounds during the ongoing rainy season.
The appeal comes after heavy rains in Elgeyo Marakwet County have claimed at least 30 lives and destroyed more than 1,000 homes.
Speaking at St. Catherine Tegat Catholic Church in Bomet East on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Wetang’ula stressed the urgent need for action to prevent further loss of life.
“Meteorological Department has said that this rain will continue and therefore in areas that are prone to floods and landslides, the members of parliament together with the local leadership, should encourage residents to move to higher grounds that are free from floods and landslides,” he said.
He added, “Let us not lose more lives when we have the opportunity to guide our people to safe grounds, especially this region that is steep.”
Also watch: CS Murkomen leads day 2 of Marakwet East landslide rescue, airlifts relief to victims.
Environmental stewardship
Beyond immediate evacuation efforts, Wetang’ula emphasised the importance of long-term environmental conservation to mitigate future disasters.
“Going forward, we must be responsible stewards of our environment. I urge our citizens to continue planting trees in such areas so that we avoid devastating flooding and landslides in the future,” he said.
The Speaker, accompanied by Bomet County leaders including MPs Francis Sigei, Linet ‘Toto’ Chepkorir, Richard Yegon, Senator Hillary Sigei, and PS Aurelia Rono, led the congregation in a moment of respect for the victims.
They prayed for families who lost loved ones and highlighted the need for national solidarity during the crisis.
Also watch: Government swiftly responds to Marakwet landslide, assures support to affected families
Relief efforts and warnings
Leaders commended ongoing relief and evacuation efforts coordinated by a multi-agency response team comprising the Kenya Red Cross, National Police Service, and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs).
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking in Eldoret, blamed years of uncontrolled deforestation and unsustainable farming practices for the catastrophic landslides.
“The biggest problem with this issue is deforestation, the problem of landlessness,” Murkomen said. He added, “If you go further where people own their own personal land, you will find that the kinds of farming are precipitating these issues; instead of doing millet and maize, it’s better to do tea crops.”
Murkomen said the death toll now stands at 26 following the recovery of more bodies today. He added that 25 people remain unaccounted for, while 26 are hospitalised.
