Written by Chemutai Naomi
On the night of Saturday 1 November 2025, tragedy struck the hilly area of Chesongoch in Rift valley region, Marakwet east – Elgeyo Marakwet county as the mudslides swept away many villages destroying homes,schools, infrastructure, destroying farms, Livestock and crops were washed downstream. The tragedy claimed the lives of people,left others injured while others are still unaccounted for.
The landslides disaster was triggered by the heavy rains ongoing across Kenya killing at least 37 people in Chesongoch – Marakwet East, where 11 people are still missing while others are still receiving treatment, this is as of Monday 9th November 2025. As the Search and rescue continues, the Government has noted that all the victims of the Chesongoch landslide disaster in Marakwet East will be compensated and resettled elsewhere in the next 30 days. Among those who lost their lives are 14 school children
Government says all victims of the Marakwet landslide will be compensated
Marakwet landslide Kills 32, including 14 schoolchildren; 15 still missing
In a separate landslide that struck Kipkenda village in Keiyo North constituency, at least 3 people were injured and 2 bodies were retrieved as a boulder rolled down and crushed their home bringing a death toll to 39 people.
Search and rescue teams acted swiftly, launching operations immediately to save as many lives as they could. According to the Cabinet secretary of Interior Kipchumba Murkomen who acted with immediate concern, the search and rescue efforts were undertaken by a multi- agency team composed of the Ministry of Interior, the Military, the Kenya Police,NGAO’s, the county government of Elgeyo Marakwet, public service, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital -Eldoret, local communities,Humanitarian organizations and others.The households at risk of landslides and floods prone areas were moved to safer grounds and the desk for reporting the missing persons was opened for people to report their missing loved ones.
People who sustained serious injuries were flown to Eldoret to receive specialized medical care, while those with minor wounds were treated in the area and local health facilities. In addition, humanitarian organizations are providing psychosocial support to help the affected families cope with the emotional impact of the tragedy.
Speaking to residents in Marakwet East, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior directed county commissioners, together with chiefs and assistant chiefs, to hold community meetings (barazas) to raise awareness and ensure that all people living in landslide and flood prone areas are relocated to safer zones. He also mentioned that the ministry had coordinated with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to have examination materials airlifted to regions where roads and bridges were destroyed, ensuring that all learners receive their exams on time.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok addressed the media On Monday 3 November 2025 in Nairobi – Westlands Deputy county commissioner’s office after witnessing the opening of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education(KCSE) exams container. He said adequate measures have been put in place to ensure no candidate misses their exams despite the challenges caused by heavy rains in several regions.
He said that the ministry of education was working closely with that of interior, other state agencies and county government for evacuation of affected families including candidates and providing alternative exam centers for the KCSE and the last of KJSEA papers.
The PS also confirmed that 28 primary and secondary schools were directly affected by the landslides and related floods. The heavy rains pounding the area have directly or indirectly affected 1,867 candidates.
The second day after the disaster the Ministry of interior flagged off food and non-food items to support the people who were affected by the tragedy in support of the State Department for special programmes and well-wishers.
The First lady, H.E Mama Rachel Ruto also visited chesongoch in Marakwet East on November 8th 2025 to condole with the families affected by landslide disaster where they also assessed the devastation caused by landslide and distributed assorted relief items to the victims.The First Lady conveyed a message of reassurance to the affected families.
As rescue efforts continue, we extend our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones, wish the injured a quick recovery, and continue providing assistance and emotional support to everyone affected by the tragedy.