Another Landslide Hits Elgeyo Marakwet Amid Heavy Downpours

Kenya, 3 November 2025 - Tragedy has struck once more in Elgeyo Marakwet as another landslide ravaged Kipkenda village on Sunday night, with Governor Wisley Rotich announcing on Monday that two lives were lost.

“On behalf of my family and the County Government, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the wider community in this trying time,” said Governor Rotich.

As relentless rains batter the county, the governor has urged residents along the escarpment and in other vulnerable spots to heed warnings and relocate to safer areas without delay.

Kipkenda lies in Kibendo, Emsoo Ward, Keiyo North.

This latest disaster comes just 48 hours after a catastrophic landslide in Chesongoch, Marakwet East, where torrential overnight rains on Friday unleashed huge mudflows, engulfing homes and claiming lives.

Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) teams are on the ground, with more details to follow as rescue and evaluation efforts proceed.

In a midnight Facebook alert, Governor Rotich rallied county responders and implored those on precarious slopes to evacuate immediately as the deluge triggered the Kibendo landslide.

The toll from Friday's calamity has risen to 26 dead, with 25 still unaccounted for and more than 1,000 homes wrecked.

In that earlier incident, the government teamed up with KRCS – which supports state agencies – for rescues involving Kenya Defence Forces helicopters, police and Red Cross volunteers. They airlifted 25 gravely injured survivors to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, according to Al Jazeera.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, touring the Chesongoch site, pointed the finger at decades of rampant deforestation and unsustainable agriculture on the fragile Kerio Valley escarpment.

“This is a national disaster,” Mr Murkomen declared, cautioning that further fatalities loom if evacuation orders are ignored during the persistent rains.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura pledged emergency funding for road fixes and electricity reinstatement, with counselling prioritised for devastated families.

One man in Chesongoch lost six relatives in the Friday landslide.

This Rift Valley county has long been prone to such horrors owing to its sheer cliffs, crumbly soils and encroaching settlement.

Previous disasters, such as the 2020 Chesegon floods that claimed 15 lives, highlight the ongoing threat.

Specialists advocate reforestation and relocation, with Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo pushing for enduring fixes during his site inspection to prevent repeats.

As Kenya's short rains gather pace, the Meteorological Department forecasts continued heavy showers, flash floods and additional landslides in upland regions.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba stated that his ministry would join multi-agency operations, deploying helicopters to deliver aid and exam papers to cut-off schools, while ferrying candidates to safety if needed.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) written exams began today, Monday.

Donations are being channelled via the county government.

Communities in Endo, Sambirir, Embobut and Emsoo wards stay vigilant.