UPDATE: A devastating landslide in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya, has claimed at least 26 lives, with authorities confirming that 25 people are still missing following severe flooding triggered by heavy rains. The crisis unfolded on November 2, 2025, as relentless downpours saturated the region, causing catastrophic landslides that engulfed homes and swept away livelihoods.
Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura reported that 26 individuals have been rescued, with many receiving medical treatment for their injuries. The humanitarian toll is staggering; Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen highlighted that some families have tragically lost more than five immediate relatives in this disaster. “So many ordinary Kenyans and their families have been affected by the mudslide tragedy,” Murkomen stated during a press briefing.
Search and rescue operations are in full swing, with the government deploying military planes and disaster response specialists to the affected areas. Rescue teams are working tirelessly despite the challenging conditions, as roads have been rendered impassable. “The roads are totally broken. As we are talking, we are landlocked,” stated police commander Zablon Okoyo, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The landslides struck the settlements of Murkutwa, Embobut, and Chesongoch, where entire communities have been isolated. Boulders, mud, and floodwaters have not only destroyed homes but have also swept away livestock and crops, further exacerbating the crisis for these vulnerable farming communities.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall, predicting totals exceeding 30 millimeters in the coming days. This rainfall is expected to extend the current rainy season, raising the potential for further landslides and flooding.
In a somber update, hundreds have lost their lives in recent years due to similar disasters in Kenya, with the most tragic incident occurring last year when 61 people died in a mudslide and flash floods in central Kenya. Nearby, landslides in eastern Uganda have also resulted in at least 13 fatalities over the past week, according to the Uganda Red Cross.
The situation remains fluid, with local officials urging residents to stay vigilant as emergency response efforts continue. As the search for the missing intensifies, the government is calling for support and resources to assist those affected.
This tragic event highlights the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in regions prone to such natural calamities. The emotional impact on the families and communities affected is profound, with many now seeking refuge at makeshift shelters, including the Chesongoch Catholic Mission, where over 2,000 displaced individuals are currently being assisted.
As this story develops, further updates will be provided to shed light on ongoing rescue efforts and the broader implications of this natural disaster. Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this critical situation.
