Chief Inspector Ruth Rotiken next to the chopper she has been flying to help in the mudslide disaster in Kerio Valley. /MATHEWS NDANYIVolunteers continue to brave treacherous conditions in Kerio Valley as search and rescue efforts intensify following deadly mudslides.
The Kenya Red Cross workers, Kenya Defence Force officers, police and residents are among those leading operations.
The mudslides, which struck villages in Marakwet East, have claimed more than 30 lives, with at least 25 people still missing.
Despite the risk of renewed slides, rescue teams have pressed on to recover bodies and deliver aid to affected families.
Chief Inspector Ruth Rotiken, a Kenya Police pilot who has been airlifting supplies, victims, and officials to and from the disaster zones, described the devastation as heartbreaking and traumatising.
“I have been to many disaster areas, but what I’ve seen here is beyond words. The suffering of children, women, and families is unbearable,” she said. “I pray that God comforts all those affected.”
Rotiken, based at Eldoret Airstrip, has been making up to four trips daily to the affected areas, ferrying humanitarian supplies, injured victims and the deceased.
Her Kenya Police chopper has also been transporting emergency teams coordinating the ongoing operations.
“I’m used to working under tough conditions, but each mission reminds me why we do what we do—to help those in need,” Rotiken said.
The 38-year-old officer, who trained as a pilot in South Africa, has previously flown humanitarian and security missions in regions such as Boni Forest.
She said balancing her demanding career with family life requires resilience and support from her superiors, whom she thanked for their encouragement.
At Eldoret Airstrip, Rotiken’s flights have drawn attention as she takes off and lands several times each day on short rotations to and from the valley.
Her aircraft can carry up to 13 tonnes of cargo or about 40 passengers, depending on the mission.
Aerial images show vast destruction across more than 10 villages in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The mudslides have displaced about 800 families, killed at least 26 people and injured more than 30 others.
The affected villages include Kamogo, Mkeno, Moror, Murkutwo, Chesongoch, Chechan, Kabetwo, Mogil, and Kepkener—spread across the wards of Embobut, Sambirir, Endo and Ariti.
Embobut MCA Paul Kipyatich said the community has been devastated. “We have been shattered as a people. The loss is massive, but we thank the national government and all those who came to our aid,” he said.
Residents described the tragedy as the worst in living memory. “Death visited us viciously, and it will take a long time to recover,” said Janet Jebet, a resident who lost all her belongings, including livestock.
As operations continue, the mood in Kerio Valley remains somber—a mix of grief, resilience, and gratitude for the volunteers risking their lives to help others.
