The death toll of the devastating landslide that struck Machember village in Elgeyo Marakwet County has climbed to 22.
Speaking on Sunday, November 2, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said 25 other people were injured in the tragedy, while 29 remain missing.
“The people who are missing are 29, those who have unfortunately lost their lives are 22, and we pass our most sincere condolences.
“The ones who have been injured are 25, that is the official number,” said the government spokesperson.
Mwaura also said a multi-agency team comprising the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National police Service (NPS), National Youth Service (NYS), and the Kenya Red Cross is still conducting rescue operations in the area.
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“The Government assures all Kenyans that every possible effort is being made to restore normalcy and support the recovery of the affected communities,” Mwaura added.
On Saturday, President William Ruto consoled with the families affected by the Marakwet landslide
The Head of State also announced government support in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
“Our prayers are with the families affected by the devastating landslide in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County. The government is offering support in the ongoing search and rescue efforts,” said President Ruto.
The devastating landslide occurred on the night of Friday, October 31, following several days of heavy rainfall in various parts of the country.
Mwaura on Saturday announced that 15 people had been confirmed dead following the landslide.
In a statement, the government spokesperson noted that 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.
"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.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has issued a traffic advisory to motorists in Elgeyo Marakwet County following the landslide.
"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,” the authority stated.
