President Ruto: Our prayers are with Marakwet East landslide victims

President William Ruto has sent his condolences to families affected by the Marakwet East landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County, which has claimed several lives and left many displaced.

In a message on Saturday, President Ruto expressed sympathy and solidarity with the victims and their families.

“Our prayers are with the families affected by the devastating landslide in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County,” the President said.

He assured that the government is offering support in the ongoing search and rescue operations, as emergency teams continue to respond to the disaster.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is working with urgency to assist those affected.

“We are working with utmost urgency to coordinate rescue efforts, extend humanitarian assistance, and stand with families affected by the Marakwet East landslide disaster,” Murkomen stated.

He confirmed that the bodies of the victims were received on Saturday evening at the Eldoret Airstrip as rescue operations continue.

“This evening, we received the bodies of the victims of the disaster at the Eldoret Airstrip as we prepare to continue with the search and rescue operation tomorrow,” he said.

Murkomen thanked all responders and partners who have supported the operation, noting their dedication since the tragedy occurred.

“Our sincere appreciation to organisations, government agencies, including the county government and individuals, who have worked tirelessly in the search and rescue efforts since the disaster struck,” he said.

Murkomen had earlier confirmed that 21 people have died in the Marakwet East landslide disaster, while over 30 others remain unaccounted for.

CS Murkomen said, “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.”

He added that 25 people with serious injuries have been airlifted to Eldoret for further medical attention, while those with minor injuries have been attended to locally.

Murkomen also said preparations are underway to supply additional food and non-food relief items to victims, with military and police helicopters on standby to transport the supplies.

He urged residents living near seasonal rivers and landslide-prone areas to move to safer grounds.

The landslide follows days of heavy rainfall that have triggered flooding and destruction in several parts of the country.

The region has been rendered largely inaccessible due to heavy flooding, and security teams are searching for viable land routes to bring in additional rescue personnel.

According to data from the United Nations Statistics Division, a landslide is defined as any kind of moderate to rapid soil or rock movement, including lahars, mudslides, and debris flows.

A mudslide, sometimes called a mudflow, on the other hand, is considered a specific type of landslide characterised by the rapid downhill movement of a mass of rock, earth, and debris that is highly saturated with water, often occurring after heavy rainfall.