Government deploys rescue teams amid heavy rains and rising fears of more landslides
At least 15 people have been confirmed dead and dozens injured after a devastating mudslide struck Machember village in Mukurtwo Location, Elgeyo Marakwet County, late Friday night, following hours of heavy rainfall.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed the tragedy on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with the affected families.
“The Government deeply regrets the loss of lives and property due to the ongoing short rains and expresses heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the affected families, especially those who lost their loved ones following last night’s mudslide,” Mwaura said in a statement.
Rescue and recovery operations continued into Saturday, with emergency teams combing through thick mud and debris in a desperate search for survivors. So far, 25 people have been pulled out alive—many with serious injuries.
“Ten others were airlifted to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment, while six more victims have been evacuated to safer areas,” Mwaura added, noting that around 30 people remain unaccounted for.
Massive Rescue Operation Underway
The government has mobilized a multi-agency response involving the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service, Ministry of Interior, and the National Disaster Operations Centre, in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross.
Military and police helicopters have been deployed to assist with evacuations, while medical supplies and equipment were dispatched from Moi Airbase. However, ongoing heavy rains have slowed rescue efforts.
“The evacuation has faced challenges due to continuous downpours, but the exercise shall continue until all marooned families are moved to safety,” Mwaura affirmed, adding that the government continues to monitor vulnerable regions across the country.
Roads Cut Off, Motorists Warned
The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has issued a traffic advisory warning motorists to avoid affected routes in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Several rural roads have become impassable due to the landslide.
“Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and comply with directives from traffic and emergency personnel deployed on the ground,” KeRRA said in a statement.
The disaster has once again drawn attention to the increasing frequency of weather-related calamities in the Rift Valley and other highland regions, where deforestation and unstable terrain have heightened the risk of landslides.
Authorities have urged residents living along escarpments and riverbanks to remain vigilant, as the short rains—forecast to continue in coming weeks—pose further danger.
Emergency shelters have been set up in nearby schools and community centers, with humanitarian agencies providing food, blankets, and medical aid to displaced families.
As search efforts intensify, somber scenes continue to unfold in Machember village, where grief-stricken families wait anxiously for news of missing relatives—hoping that rescuers might still find signs of life beneath the mud.
Photo: File image of medical personnel attending to landslide victims in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
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