The death toll from landslides in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet, has reached 36 six days after the first incident. Sixteen people remain missing while others receive hospital treatment. The government continues rescue and aid efforts despite damaged roads posing challenges.
Landslides began striking Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet on October 31, 2025, a Saturday, causing significant loss of life due to heavy rains continuing in the Rift Valley region. A second landslide occurred in the early hours of Monday, killing a woman and her grandson while injuring three others.
In a statement on November 6, 2025, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura reported that 35 bodies have been recovered, with 16 people still missing. Four hospitalized individuals have been discharged, and nine others remain at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) receiving medical and psychosocial support. Mwaura stated: “It is with deep sadness that we report 16 persons remain missing. The Government and the entire multi-agency team remain committed to doing everything possible to locate them and bring closure to affected families.”
County Governor Wisley Rotich said residents are still in shock, with some families losing up to seven or eight members. Flooding has also impacted neighboring Trans Nzoia County, affecting 6,318 households and displacing 637 people who are now in eight camps across Kwanza, Endebes, and Saboti sub-counties.
Aid was delayed for three days due to damaged roads and large rocks blocking paths, preventing relief vehicles from reaching affected areas. Victims like John Khurah, who lost 11 relatives, and Selina Krop, who lost five, received no assistance until Monday evening. Relief began arriving in hardest-hit villages including Kasegei, Kaptul, Kwemoi, and Kipkirown on Tuesday after one road was cleared. Kenya Red Cross and NYS first handled burials, with humanitarian workers walking long distances and crossing rivers with local guidance.
County Special Plans Officer Lawrence Mutwol urged residents to cooperate with rescue teams. The government has allocated Ksh 29 million for food and non-food relief, seeking collaboration from stakeholders for water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter, psychosocial support, and long-term resilience. On November 5, the National Assembly Committee on Regional Development, led by Peter Lochakapong, called for evacuations from risky areas and pushed for the Disaster Management Bill. Reports vary slightly on the death toll, with earlier figures at 34 or 35.
