Grief and Shock Grip The Valley

BY RISPER MINSARI

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with the death toll in the Elgeyo Marakwet now standing at 26 following the recovery of more bodies Sunday evening.

25 people are still unaccounted for, while 26 are hospitalized. 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. 

Families have been shattered and with an entire sent into mourning. What was meant to be an ordinary day turned into a nightmare as residents woke up to heartbreaking news. 

According to reports from local authorities, the tragedy occurred in the rugged highlands of the Kerio Valley, an area known for its breathtaking landscapes but also for recurring cases of insecurity and natural calamities. 

Eyewitnesses recount a scene of confusion and panic as rescue teams and villagers rushed to the site; struggling to save survivors and retrieve bodies amid.

The region has recently experienced heavy rains that have left roads impassable and slopes unstable, increasing the risk of accidents and landslides.

One resident, visibly shaken, said, “We heard screams and rushed out, only to see everything covered in debris. It was something we’ll never forget.”

Local leaders have called for immediate government intervention to improve safety measures in the area and provide psychological support to the affected families.

Governor Wisley Rotich expressed his condolences, promising that his administration will work with National Government to ensure victims receive assistance. 

“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones. We must act swiftly to prevent such tragedies from happening again."

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said 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. 

"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," Murkomen said. 

The CS said Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs in the affected Wards are continuing to sensitize people to move to safer grounds.

He added; "The CS for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Hon Geoffrey Kiringa RUKU, will continue to spearhead the provision of humanitarian support in the area in conjunction with the County Government of Elgeyo-Marakwet."

Murkomen pointed out that the Government will foot hospital bills and funeral costs, and support the people to rebuild their lives.