The government has pledged to cover hospital and funeral expenses for the victims of the landslide that struck Marakwet East.
In a statement on Sunday, November 2, he announced that the government would take full responsibility for the victims’ medical care and burial costs.
Murkomen added that the government will assist families in the affected villages to rebuild.
"The Government will foot hospital bills and funeral costs, and support the people to rebuild their lives," he said.
Murkomen further said the death toll had risen to 26, with several residents still missing as emergency teams continued their search.
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"Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with the death toll now standing at 26 following the recovery of more bodies today. 25 people are still unaccounted for, while 26 are hospitalised," he added.
Murkomen noted that Endo Ward was the hardest hit, losing the majority of its residents in the tragedy.
"Endo Ward bore the brunt of the tragedy, with 19 of the dead hailing from the place. Embobut/Embolot Ward lost 5 people, while Sambirir Ward lost 2,” he stated.
Mutkomen outlined a coordinated response involving several ministries to restore essential infrastructure and services in the affected zones.
"My colleagues, the CS for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, is fast-tracking the release of emergency funds to restore roads damaged in the landslide, while his Energy counterpart, Opiyo Wandayi, will deploy a team to restore electricity," he explained.
Murkomen added that both the military and police helicopters will remain in the area to assist with logistics and emergency evacuations.
He also revealed that education officials had made alternative plans to ensure national examinations proceed smoothly despite the devastation.
"The military and police helicopters will remain in the area to handle any emergency. About 15 schools are inaccessible and KNEC has made arrangements to airlift examination papers to the affected institutions," he said.
Murkomen also extended gratitude to President William Ruto for providing the necessary resources and support to enable a swift and effective response to the crisis.
"We thank H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto most sincerely for placing at our disposal all the support we needed. The resources were critical in saving lives and alleviating the suffering of those affected by the unfortunate incident," he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the closure of several key road sections in Elgeyo Marakwet County following the landslide.
In a statement on Sunday, November 2, the authority said the affected areas include Kilangata, Murkutwo, Chesongoch, and Kabetwa along the Kapyego–Chesoi–Kilangata (B15) Road, where rains have rendered the route impassable and dangerous for motorists.
"The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to alert the public of the road closure of Kapyego - Chesoi - Kilangata (B15) Road at Kilangata, Murkutwo, Chesongoch, and Kabetwa area following the torrential rainfall received in the area leading to fatalities," the statement read.
KeNHA confirmed that a coordinated rescue and response operation is currently in progress to address the aftermath of the heavy rains.
"A multi-agency rescue mission is currently underway with the Ministry of Interior and National Coordination, KeNHA, and the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet at the site," the statement added.
KeNHA further revealed that the floods caused severe damage to another section of the road network where a key crossing point was completely destroyed by floodwaters.
"Additionally, the vented drift across River Mon (at Chesetan) along Biretwo - Arror Road was overwhelmed by the storm and collapsed, leaving the road completely cut-off (about 40m)," the statement further read.
KeNHA noted that teams have already been dispatched to begin assessment and emergency repairs, but access remains difficult due to debris and fast-moving floodwaters.
"The Authority is currently working tirelessly to access the affected sections and remove the massive boulders and debris resulting from the heavy storm water. Further, efforts are underway to restore the cut-off sections and restore mobility.
“We urge all motorists plying these sections of the road to replan their journeys, as the roads remain closed for safety reasons," the statement concluded.
