State pledges swift compensation for Elgeyo Marakwet landslide victims

Mama Rachel Ruto with Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen with the families affected by mudslides in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County on November 8, 2025/ OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY

The victims of the devastating landslide that swept through Chesongoch and its surrounding villages in Elgeyo Marakwet were on Saturday assured of full government support.

Plans are underway for compensation and resettlement to help families rebuild their lives, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said.

At least 32 people were killed in the tragedy.

Murkomen committed while accompanying First Lady Rachel Ruto on a visit to Chesongoch to console with families affected by last week’s tragedy and to assess ongoing humanitarian response efforts.

“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.

He stated that the government will collaborate closely with local communities, authorities, and elected leaders to ensure the compensation and resettlement process is conducted in a transparent, fair, and accountable manner.

“We will work hand in hand with local authorities and elected leaders to ensure that the compensation and resettlement of victims is free and fair,” he affirmed.

The First Lady expressed her deep sympathy to the affected families, describing the tragedy as heartbreaking.

“What happened was unfortunate. The government will continue supporting you not only today but also in the days to come to ensure such an incident does not happen again,” she assured.

During the visit, relief supplies were delivered to support the affected families. The consignment included 600 bags of rice, 520 bags of beans, 8,000 iron sheets, 2,000 blankets, 1,000 mattresses, and other assorted items.

The First Lady was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Geoffrey Ruku and Davis Chirchir, alongside Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Korir and his Nandi counterpart Stephen Sang, among other local leaders.

She met survivors and families who lost loved ones.

The mudslide, which swept through several villages in Marakwet East Sub-County, destroyed homes, displaced families, and cut off access roads after overflowing rivers triggered massive soil movement down the steep escarpments. 

Several people were reported missing, while others sustained injuries as homes and farmlands were buried under debris.