Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku and other leaders during a visit to the affected families of the Marakwet mudslide, November 8, 2025./HANDOUT
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting families affected by disasters, including those hit by the recent landslide in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Speaking during a visit to the affected families, where he joined First Lady Rachel Ruto and other government officials, CS Ruku said the government, through the State Department for Special Programmes, will continue to stand with Kenyans facing the effects of natural calamities across the country.
He noted that President William Ruto had directed the Ministry to collaborate and coordinate with other ministries, government agencies, and departments to develop and roll out programmes aimed at helping communities adapt to the effects of disasters and, more broadly, climate change.
“The people of Marakwet and others affected by disasters across the country must feel that the Government of Kenya, led by President William Ruto, cares for them,” said CS Ruku.
The CS added that the Ministry is doing everything possible to ensure affected families are resettled, return to normalcy and rebuild their lives in a dignified manner.
He reiterated that the State Department will spearhead the rebuilding of homes and restoration of livelihoods within the Marakwet community, cover hospital expenses for victims, and provide support for funeral costs to ensure a decent send-off for those who lost their lives.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, First Lady Rachel Ruto and other leaders during a visit to the affected families of the Marakwet mudslide, November 8, 2025./HANDOUT
CS Ruku commended the First Lady for her compassion and leadership in ensuring that affected families received emergency relief supplies, including food and non-food items, which she personally helped distribute. Those who lost their lives in the tragic landslide will be laid to rest on November 21, 2025.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also said plans are underway for compensation and resettlement to help families rebuild their lives.
At least 32 people were killed in the tragedy.
“I want to assure the people of Elgeyo Marakwet that we will not leave until this work is fully accomplished,” said Murkomen.
He further assured residents that, unlike in previous incidents, the compensation and resettlement process will be expedited to ensure timely relief for affected families.
“Following the directive from the President, we do not want this process to drag on indefinitely. Within a month or two, we will finalise all procedures, close the accounts, and ensure that every victim is properly compensated and resettled,” said Murkomen.
The CS also cautioned individuals who might attempt to fraudulently benefit from the compensation program, warning that stern action will be taken against them.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, First Lady Rachel Ruto and other leaders during a visit to the affected families of the Marakwet mudslide, November 8, 2025./HANDOUT
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and other leaders during a visit to the affected families of the Marakwet mudslide, November 8, 2025./HANDOUT
Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, First Lady Rachel Ruto and other leaders during a visit to the affected families of the Marakwet mudslide, November 8, 2025./HANDOUT
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku/HANDOUT
