5 Individuals Confirmed Dead, 30 People Remain Unaccounted for in Marakwet East Landslide Disaster

The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, has confirmed that five individuals have tragically lost their lives in the landslides that struck Marakwet East, following days of heavy rainfall. While search and rescue operations continue, 30 people remain unaccounted for, as emergency response teams work tirelessly to locate survivors and recover those still trapped.

In a statement issued earlier today, Murkomen offered his deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives, while updating the nation on the ongoing rescue efforts. "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of five lives in the tragic landslides in Marakwet East," said Murkomen. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families during this difficult time. We are doing everything possible to locate and rescue those still missing."

The landslides occurred in the early hours of the morning, triggered by the continuous heavy rains that have battered the region in recent days. The steep terrain of Marakwet East made the landslides particularly destructive, burying homes and sweeping away entire families.

A multi-agency team, including the military, police, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), county government officials, and humanitarian organizations, has been deployed to conduct search and rescue operations. Murkomen confirmed that 25 injured individuals have been successfully evacuated and are receiving medical care in hospitals across the region.

"Our primary focus is on locating survivors and providing immediate medical assistance to those who have been injured," the CS said. "We are grateful for the dedicated work of our security teams, humanitarian organizations, and county officials who have been working around the clock to support the victims and their families."

In addition to the ongoing search efforts, Murkomen stated that households in high-risk areas, including those on the edge of vulnerable slopes, have been relocated to safer grounds. Temporary shelters have been set up for displaced families, and a special desk for reporting missing persons has been established to assist those looking for their loved ones.

"We have moved households that were at risk of further landslides to higher ground and are providing emergency shelter to those who have been displaced," Murkomen said. "We urge the public to report any missing persons to the dedicated desk, which is now operational. We will continue our search efforts until every person is accounted for."

The CS also praised the quick response by local authorities and volunteers, highlighting the collective efforts of the community in the face of such a devastating disaster. "The response from all sectors has been remarkable, and we appreciate the resilience shown by the people of Marakwet East. We are all in this together, and it is through collaboration that we will overcome this tragedy," Murkomen noted.

As the search for survivors intensifies, the government is also focusing on long-term solutions to prevent similar disasters in the future. Murkomen called for improved infrastructure, early warning systems, and better disaster preparedness measures in vulnerable regions. "We must learn from this tragedy and implement measures to protect our citizens, especially in areas prone to landslides and flooding," he emphasized.

The Interior CS called on Kenyans to support the relief efforts and show solidarity with those affected by the disaster. "During this time of crisis, we must stand together as a nation," Murkomen said. "Every act of kindness, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply offering a helping hand, makes a huge difference. Let us continue to support the victims and their families as they begin the long road to recovery."

The government has pledged to continue providing updates on the situation as more information becomes available and rescue operations continue. The people of Marakwet East, along with the entire nation, are in mourning as they await news of the missing and support efforts continue to help those in need.