Murkutwo: At least ten people have been confirmed dead after a massive landslide struck Murkutwo area of Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet County following hours of heavy rainfall last night.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kerio Valley OCPD Zablon Okoyo stated that the landslide, which occurred at around 1 am, swept away several homes, leaving many residents displaced and others unaccounted for. 'Rescue operations are ongoing as we continue to assess the full extent of the damage. The situation remains dire, and we are doing everything possible to reach those still trapped or stranded,' said Okoyo.
Okoyo urged those close to the riverbanks to move to safer grounds as more landslides are expected due to ongoing heavy rains. 'Please move to safer grounds and cooperate with rescue teams,' urged OCPD Okoyo.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulige noted that access to the affected area remains a major challenge as the main roads have been rendered impassable by mud and rubble. 'At the moment, the level of damage cannot be fully established because most routes leading to Murkutwo are cut off. We are now exploring the use of helicopters to assist with evacuation and to deliver emergency aid,' he said.
Governor Wisley Rotich confirmed that the county government has mobilized both military and police officers to provide aerial support to the ongoing rescue efforts. 'We are working with the Kenya Red Cross, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and additional county doctors who are en route to the area. All county ambulances and medical personnel are being mobilized to respond to the unfortunate landslide situation across Marakwet East,' the governor announced.
Local leaders have expressed deep concern over the escalating situation, with Embobut/Embolot Ward MCA Paul Kipyatich saying the rain has not ceased since the incident occurred, further complicating rescue efforts. 'The ground is still moving, and we are witnessing continuous soil displacement. The situation remains dangerous, and residents in the surrounding areas are advised to move to higher and safer ground immediately,' Kipyatich cautioned.
He added that Embobut location is the most severely affected, with five families reported to have lost their homes as emergency teams continue to dig through debris in search of survivors. The full extent of the destruction is yet to be determined, but preliminary reports indicate widespread damage to homes, farms, and roads.
Emergency response teams remain on high alert as weather experts warn that more rain is expected in the coming days, heightening fears of further landslides in the hilly terrain of Elgeyo Marakwet.