A devastating landslide struck Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet County early on November 1, 2025, claiming 13 lives and injuring many others after days of heavy rainfall. Rescue teams, including the Kenya Red Cross and Kenya Defence Forces, are on the ground supporting affected families and retrieving victims. Authorities have urged residents to avoid risky areas as rains continue.
The landslide occurred around 4am on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Moror Village and Chesongoch Centre, Elgeyo Marakwet County, following several days of persistent heavy rain that caused rivers to burst their banks and damage roads. Houses were submerged in mud, with others leaning precariously, leaving locals stranded and awaiting assistance, as captured in images and videos from the scene.
The Kenya Red Cross activated its response team immediately, stating: “A landslide following heavy overnight rains has hit Moror Village and Chesongoch Centre, Elgeyo Marakwet County, leaving many people injured. Our response team has been activated to respond, assess the situation and support those affected.” By midday, official reports confirmed 13 deaths, with 19 survivors rescued and several injured receiving treatment at Chesongoch Mission Hospital.
Rescue operations face challenges from ongoing mudslides blocking access routes, including the complete cutoff of the Kapsowar-Chesoi Road. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the deployment of police and military helicopters carrying medical personnel and Red Cross staff to aid search and rescue efforts. The Kenya Defence Forces have also been dispatched for retrieval and transportation of the injured.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich urged residents to relocate from escarpments prone to mudslides, saying: “We have dispatched our teams and are working with other agencies to ensure residents are safe.” Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei expressed condolences, noting: “Poleni sana people of Marakwet East constituency for the unfortunate massive landslide that has claimed lives, destroyed land, roads and property yesterday night during ongoing rains.” He added that coordination with the county government and non-state actors is underway to provide support and restore damaged infrastructure.
This incident is part of broader impacts from the October-November-December short rains affecting multiple regions, prompting the government to form a multi-agency team for coordinated response and humanitarian assistance.