A devastating landslide triggered by heavy rains in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County, has claimed 22 lives and led to the closure of the Kapyego-Chesoi-Kilangata Road. Rescue operations continue amid ongoing mudslides, while authorities assure that KCSE exams in the area will proceed as planned. Multi-agency teams are providing aid to the affected communities.
On November 1, 2025, around 4am, a landslide struck Moror Village and Chesongoch Centre in Elgeyo Marakwet County following days of torrential rains. By the end of the day, 21 people had died, with the toll rising to 22 on November 2. Currently, 29 individuals remain unaccounted for, and 21 injured residents are receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced the closure of the Kapyego-Chesoi-Kilangata (B15) Road at Kilangata, Murkutwo, Chesongoch, and Kabetwa areas due to mudslides and heavy stormwater. "The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to alert the public of the road closure... following the torrential rainfall received in the area, leading to fatalities," the notice stated. Additionally, the vented drift across River Mon at Chesetan along Biretwo Arror Road collapsed, cutting off about 40 meters of the road. KeNHA is working to remove boulders and debris to restore access. "The Authority is currently working tirelessly to access the affected sections and remove the massive boulders and debris resulting from the heavy stormwater," it added. Motorists have been urged to replan their journeys for safety.
A multi-agency rescue mission is underway, involving the Ministries of Interior and Public Service, County Governments of Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, and Nandi, Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Youth Service, National Disaster Operations Centre, Kenya Red Cross Society, and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. Kenya Red Cross reported: "A landslide following heavy overnight rains has hit Moror Village and Chesongoch Centre... leaving many people injured. Our response team has been activated."
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones. The Government assures all Kenyans that every possible effort is being made to restore normalcy."
Amid the crisis, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that KCSE exams in Marakwet East will proceed starting November 3, with contingency plans in place. "We assure all national examination and assessment candidates in the region that we have put in place adequate contingency plans," Ogamba said. Teams are assessing affected schools to ensure students can sit for exams. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen noted additional evacuations in the susceptible Kerio Valley and plans for long-term measures like tree planting to combat climate-related disasters.