Duale: State providing lifesaving care to landslide victims in Marakwet East

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has confirmed that government agencies are offering emergency medical support to victims of the deadly landslides in Korou, Chesongoch and Kabetwa areas of Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

In a statement, Duale sent condolences to families who lost loved ones in the tragedy and assured the public that lifesaving care is being provided to all affected.

“My condolences to the families affected by the devastating landslides in Korou, Chesongoch, and Kabetwa. Our teams are working tirelessly to stabilise and provide lifesaving care to all affected,” he said.

Duale noted that four patients from among the survivors remain in critical condition, suffering from severe poly-traumatic injuries and are in urgent need of surgical intervention.

The landslides claimed 21 lives.

“We mourn the lives lost. We remain committed to supporting survivors and their families during this difficult time,” Duale said.

He added that medical teams and rescue personnel are still on the ground to ensure those injured receive adequate treatment and psychological support.

The government has pledged continued assistance to affected families as recovery efforts move forward.

The landslide followed 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.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Saturday confirmed that 21 people have died in the Marakwet East landslide disaster, while over 30 others remain unaccounted for.

Speaking on the ongoing rescue mission, 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 had been attended to locally.

The search and rescue operations are set to resume on Sunday, with teams from the military and police joining local communities and other organisations in the effort.

Murkomen 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.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as efforts to locate missing persons and provide relief to affected families intensify.