The government has confirmed that 21 people have lost their lives following the devastating landslide in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen said over 30 individuals remain unaccounted for, as their families continue to report missing loved ones.

Murkomen, who issued an update on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, stated that search and rescue operations have been temporarily halted for the day due to worsening conditions but will resume at dawn tomorrow.

“We have paused our search and rescue operations for today. We have confirmed the loss of 21 people to this tragedy, while over 30 people are still unaccounted for as reported by their families,” Murkomen said.

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Injured Victims Airlifted to Eldoret

He further revealed that 25 people with serious injuries have been airlifted to Eldoret for specialized treatment.

Others who sustained minor injuries have received medical attention locally within Marakwet East.

“Twenty-five people with serious injuries have been airlifted to Eldoret for further medical attention, while others with minor injuries have been attended to locally,” Murkomen added.

Military and Police to Join Rescue Efforts

Murkomen confirmed that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and National Police Service (NPS) will join the ongoing rescue mission alongside humanitarian organizations and the local community.

“The search and rescue mission resumes tomorrow with a team from the military and the police joining other organisations and the local community in the effort,” he said.

He also disclosed that plans are underway to provide more food and non-food relief supplies to the affected families, with military and police helicopters placed on standby to transport the items to remote areas.

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Murkomen Urges Residents to Relocate to Safer Grounds

In his statement, Murkomen urged residents living close to seasonal rivers and landslide prone areas to move to safer grounds as the region continues to experience heavy rainfall and unstable soil conditions.

“I urge people living near seasonal rivers and areas that experienced landslides last night to move to safer grounds,” the CS cautioned.

Government Commends Rescue Partners

Murkomen expressed gratitude to government agencies, the county administration, and various organizations that responded swiftly to the disaster.

“I wish to thank all the organisations, individuals and government agencies, including the county government, for their fast response and cooperation,” he concluded.

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KDF Officers Helping With The Search and Rescue Mission in Elgeyo Marakwet Landslide Disaster. PHOTO/ Murkomen X