Rescue Mission in Elgeyo Marakwet Enters Third Day as Search for Missing Persons Continues

 

By Valary Makena

Rescue operations in Elgeyo Marakwet have entered their third day, as teams continue to search for missing persons and support families affected by recent disasters in the county.

Elgeyo Marakwet Women Representative Caroline Ngelechei said the situation is under control, with strong coordination among various response teams. “Government agencies, the Ministry of Health, Kenya Red Cross, and the County Government are working hand in hand with local administration, KDF, NYS, and residents to ensure an effective rescue and recovery operation,” she said.

Search efforts are ongoing, with sniffer dogs deployed to help locate those unaccounted for. Currently, 19 people remain missing, but Ngelechei expressed hope that some may still be found alive.

Relief operations are underway, with affected families receiving food, bedsheets, sanitary towels, and other non-food items. Ngelechei praised well-wishers and organizations that have stepped in to offer support, highlighting the contribution of the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), which distributed mattresses, foodstuffs, and other essentials to victims.

However, Ngelechei raised concern about some patients admitted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) who have lost their homes. She urged these residents to move to designated camps where they can access food, shelter, and other assistance.

She also called for the provision of clean drinking water, noting contamination of some water sources, and requested tetanus vaccines for rescuers involved in the search operations.

Ngelechei assured residents that rescue and recovery efforts will continue until all missing persons are accounted for.