We were swept away like leaves! Elgeyo Marakwet mudslide survivors recount night of terror

Margret Cheptoo is recuperating at MTRH after being injured in the mudslides in Kerio Valley. MATHEWS NDANYI

A survivor of the mudslides Christina Kirop when she was visited by former Marakwet East MP Linah Kilimo at the Moi Referral Hospital. /MATHEWS NDANYI

Mzee Gabriel Yego who is recovering at the MTRH after being injured in the mudslides./MATHEWS NDANYI

Former Keiyo South MP Jackson Kiptanui visiting injured victims of the mudslides at MTRH in Eldoret./MATHEWS NDANYI

Survivors admitted to Moi Referral Hospital in Eldoret have recounted how they were swept downhill by torrents of water and rocks as mudslides hit villages in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Fifty-eight-year-old Margaret Cheptoo said she is lucky to be alive but cannot explain how she survived.

“I just recall hearing a loud bang from up the hills, after which heavy water and rocks came down, sweeping away our house,” said Cheptoo.

Cheptoo, who was admitted with multiple injuries, said she was with her son, who lives with disabilities, when the incident occurred.

“My son is yet to be found. I just remember being caught between rocks as we were pushed for over a kilometre downhill,” she said.

Cheptoo said she remembers seeing what looked like two angels coming to rescue her from the mudslides. She was later found downhill and rescued.

“I was hit on the chest by hard rocks, and I’m in deep pain even as I agonize about my missing son,” she said.

Another survivor, 58-year-old Christina Kirop, said she had never seen anything like it in her life and thanked God for being alive.

“I owe my survival to God, and I’m happy that the doctors here have helped us until we are doing better,” said Kirop.

She said she heard a loud bang in the middle of the night and later found herself outside her house.

Eighty-year-old Gabriel Yego also described the tragedy as one of the worst experiences of his life.

“I’m lucky to be alive at my age. I was thrown out of my house and stuck in very cold areas. I’m happy that doctors have made me feel better,” said Yego.

Several local leaders, including former MPs Linah Kilimo and Jackson Kiptanui, along with County Speaker Lawi Kibire, visited the injured victims, among them eight children who are among 39 people admitted to the hospital for treatment.

Dr. Andrew Wandeta, the acting CEO of the hospital, said they had received 39 patients with various injuries and that most of them were in stable condition.

He said 13 patients had already been discharged after their condition improved.

“We have adequate capacity to handle such situations, and so far most of the patients are doing well,” he said.

Kiptanui, the former MP for Keiyo South, thanked the government, counties, and all those who intervened to help residents during the tragedy.

“Many of those here in hospital would have suffered more were it not for the quick intervention by the government and all our friends,” said Kiptanui.

Kilimo said the tragedy has caused extensive suffering for residents and praised the swift response that helped save many lives.

“We thank President Ruto for ordering quick intervention and pray for those who lost their lives, as well as those recovering here in hospital,” said Kilimo.

Kiptanui and Kilimo said focus has now shifted to search and rescue efforts and helping those displaced by the tragedy.