Chief Inspector Ruth Rotiken said that although she has responded to many disaster missions in her career, the devastation in Marakwet East deeply moved her.
“I have been traumatized to see the suffering of children, women, and all residents in affected areas. I pray that God comforts them,” she said.
Rotiken, a pilot with ten years of experience, said despite the emotional toll, she remained focused on her duty to support ongoing rescue and relief operations.
She has been flying a Kenya Police helicopter from the Eldoret Airstrip, making an average of four trips daily to ferry humanitarian aid, the injured, the dead, and officials coordinating the mission.
“I am used to this kind of work, and we have to do it so that we help those in need during such occurrences,” she added.
The 38-year-old officer, who is also a family woman, said she has learned to balance her demanding career with family life.
She expressed pride in serving in the National Police Service and gratitude for the support of her superiors.
Rotiken trained as a pilot in South Africa and has undergone several specialized courses to enhance her skills.
Her dedication has made her a role model for many young women aspiring to join aviation and law enforcement.
At the Eldoret Airstrip, she drew attention from onlookers as she made several take-offs and landings during the short, 30-minute flights to and from the disaster zone.
The helicopter she operates can carry up to 13 tonnes of cargo or about 40 passengers, depending on mission needs.
An aerial view of the devastated region shows massive destruction across more than ten villages in three wards.
Authorities estimate that over 800 families have been affected, most of them displaced, after the mudslides claimed at least 26 lives and left more than 30 others injured.
The worst-hit villages include Kamogo, Mkeno, Moror, Murkutwo, Chesongoch, Chechan, Kabetwo, Mogil, and Kepkener, located within Embobut, Sambirir, Endo, and Ariti wards.
Embobut MCA Paul Kipyatich said the extent of the destruction was overwhelming.
“We have been devastated as a community, and the loss is massive. We thank the national government and everyone who came to our aid,” he said.
Residents described the tragedy as unprecedented, saying it will take years to recover.
“Death visited us viciously, and it will take quite a long time to recover,” Janet Jebet, a resident who lost her property and livestock, said.
Many families have been left homeless and are now relying on humanitarian aid as government and rescue teams continue with search and recovery efforts.
