At least 15 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating mudslide that struck Machember village in Mukurtwo Location, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on Friday night, October 31.
In a statement on Saturday, November 1, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura expressed the government’s sorrow and solidarity with the victims.
"The Government, deeply regrets the loss of lives and property due to the ongoing short rains and expresses heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the affected families and especially those who lost their loved ones following last night's mudslide at Machember village in Mukurtwo Location of Elgeyo Marakwet County," he said.
According to Mwaura, the situation remains dire as emergency teams continue to comb through the debris in search of survivors.
"Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing following which 15 deaths have been confirmed so far, with 25 others having been retrieved from the mud with serious injuries.
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"Ten others were airlifted to Moi and Teaching Referral hospital for treatment while six others of the affected, are being evacuated to a safer place with efforts to search for the other 30 persons who have not been accounted for put on high gear," he added.
Mwaura stated that the government has mobilized all relevant agencies to coordinate the response effort and provide immediate assistance to the affected communities.
"As government, we are providing the necessary humanitarian assistance with police and military helicopters having been deployed and medical supplies and equipment dispatched from the Moi Airbase to the affected area.
"The evacuation has faced some hampering over the continuous heavy downpours but the exercise shall continue until all of the marooned families are moved to safe places as the government continues to monitor the situation across the country," he further said.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service, Ministry of Interior, and the National Disaster Operations Centre, working in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross, are leading rescue operations and evacuations.
Elsewhere, the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has issued a traffic advisory to motorists in Elgeyo Marakwet County following the landslide.
In a statement, the agency responsible for the maintenance and rehabilitation of rural roads urged drivers to remain cautious, use alternative routes, and adhere to instructions from traffic and emergency officers on the ground.
"The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) would like to issue an alert and advisory to all motorists using roads in Elgeyo Marakwet County due to a landslide rendering the area impassable.
“Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes in the meantime and comply with any directives from traffic officers and emergency personnel deployed on the roads to prevent further incidents," the advisory read.
